Brazilian authorities have suspended construction activities at a site intended for an electric vehicle factory in Bahia, northeastern Brazil. The decision came after the discovery of over 160 Chinese workers enduring conditions akin to slavery. Investigators found that these individuals were working under degrading circumstances and living in substandard accommodations. The factory was expected to be the first international plant for BYD, a leading Chinese EV manufacturer, outside Asia. Authorities have been probing the site since November, uncovering numerous violations of labor laws and human dignity.

Unlawful Labor Practices Exposed

The investigation revealed severe breaches in labor regulations. Workers were subjected to excessive working hours, often laboring seven days a week without adequate rest. Their living quarters were described as deplorable, with insufficient sanitation facilities and unsuitable sleeping arrangements. Over 100 employees had their passports confiscated, preventing them from leaving the premises without permission. These conditions highlight significant lapses in safety and human rights standards.

Further details emerged about the intolerable living conditions at the construction site. Workers were forced to sleep on beds without mattresses and share eight portable toilets among more than 600 people. These facilities were reportedly in poor condition, lacking basic necessities like toilet paper and water. Food storage and preparation areas were unsanitary, with meals left exposed to dirt and not properly refrigerated. Most workers were compelled to eat their meals in their beds, emphasizing the dire situation they faced.

BYD's Response and Future Steps

Following the findings, BYD, the company behind the project, took immediate action. They terminated the contract with Jinjiang Construction Brazil, the contractor responsible for the workforce, and vowed to take further appropriate measures. The company emphasized its commitment to respecting Brazilian law and human dignity. All affected workers are being relocated to hotels in the region while a thorough review of working and living conditions is conducted.

BYD, originally established as a battery company in 1995, has grown into one of the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturers. Led by Wang Chuanfu, often compared to Elon Musk in China, BYD has maintained a presence in Brazil for a decade, adhering strictly to local legislation and ethical standards. This incident has prompted the company to reassess its operations and ensure that such violations do not occur again. BYD remains committed to upholding its principles of ethics, respect, and human dignity in all its endeavors.