Brazilian prosecutors are suing Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD and two of its contractors, saying they were responsible for human trafficking and conditions “analogous to slavery” at a factory construction site in the country.
BYD did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the BBC but has previously said it has “zero tolerance for violations of human rights and labour laws.”
Authorities halted construction of the plant late last year after workers were found living in cramped accommodation with “minimum comfort and hygiene conditions”, the MPT said.
Some workers slept on beds without mattresses and one toilet was shared by 31 people, it said in a statement.
The MPT also alleged that construction site staff had their passports confiscated and were working under “employment contracts with illegal clauses, exhausting work hours and no weekly rest.”
Prosecutors said the workers had up to 70% of their salaries withheld and faced high costs to terminate their contracts.
“Slavery-like conditions”, as defined by Brazilian law, include debt bondage and work that violates human dignity.
At first I was a bit skeptical but if these allegations are true… Makes me wonder how US farm workers are living and working. Or people working in slaughterhouses but I guess US regime whores don’t care when domestic captial does these things
Whataboutism a lot? We’re taking about Chinese companies and governments abusing human rights. Tomorrow we can talk about the US again but right now we’re talking about your favorite leaders.
Chineman is not my ally and his commercial interests in Brazil are not my concern but sure it is beautiful to see them being checked for a fake news hesdline.
I am sure they will lay a fee and this will be resolved, the workers obviously will not be made whole