RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazilian prosecutors have filed a civil suit against Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD and two of its contractors, alleging human trafficking and “slavery-like” labour conditions involving 220 Chinese workers at a construction site in Bahia.
Authorities found degrading conditions at BYD’s under-construction plant in Camaçari—its largest electric vehicle facility outside Asia—including workers living without mattresses, sharing bathrooms among 31 people, and suffering visible sun-related skin damage from long work hours. Reports also cite passport confiscations, withheld wages of up to 70%, and surveillance by armed guards.
Brazil’s Labour Prosecutor’s Office (MPT) is seeking R$257 million (US$45.3 million) in collective moral damages, in addition to compensation for affected individuals. The lawsuit follows failed negotiations for a conduct adjustment agreement.
BYD has since cut ties with Jinjiang, the contractor overseeing the site. However, Jinjiang denies the allegations. China’s foreign ministry stated that it expects its companies to operate legally and protect workers’ rights.-AFP
