Over 160 workers rescued from slavery conditions in Brazil
- Brazilian officials found 163 Chinese workers living and working in deplorable conditions at a BYD construction site in December 2023.
- The workers were hired by Jinjiang Construction Brazil, which allegedly confiscated passports and withheld wages, subjecting them to forced labor.
- The intervention led to the workers being rescued and temporarily housed in hotels as investigations into the hiring practices and working conditions continue.
In late December 2023, Brazilian authorities uncovered severe labor violations at a construction site for a new electric vehicle factory operated by BYD in Camaçari, Bahia state. A task force led by the Public Ministry of Labor (MPT) initiated inspections after receiving reports of poor living conditions and potential human rights abuses involving workers from China. Upon investigation, officials found that 163 Chinese nationals were subjected to degrading conditions in their lodgings, with documented cases of forced labor where workers had their passports confiscated and wages withheld. The construction workers lived in unsanitary environments lacking essential facilities and were required to work excessively long hours, often seven days a week. Reports indicated that for every 31 workers, there was only one bathroom, forcing an early wake-up for them to prepare for work. Significant concern arose regarding their living conditions, prompting the MPT to intervene and shelter the workers in hotels while terminating their employment contracts. Authorities alleged that the contractor, Jinjiang Construction Brazil, was responsible for these human rights violations. BYD stated it would cut ties with Jinjiang and cooperate with investigations, denouncing the allegations as unfounded and a smear against its reputation. Amidst ongoing investigations, BYD asserted its commitment to complying with Brazilian labor laws and enhancing working conditions, while promising to take appropriate corrective measures. The company anticipated starting production at the new factory by 2025, making it BYD's first factory outside Asia. This situation highlights continuing issues with labor rights and safety standards in outsourced construction projects, raising questions about oversight and protection for migrant workers employed in foreign countries.