Friday, February 7, 2025
33.9 C
Canberra

Workers building BYD factory are victims of trafficking, Brazil says

Brazilian authorities say Chinese workers found at a Brazilian construction site for BYD are victims of human trafficking.  (AP: Matthias Schrader, File)

In short:

Chinese workers at a Brazilian construction site are victims of human trafficking, according to Brazilian labour authorities. 

Authorities said more than 160 Chinese nationals were working in "slave-like conditions" to build a factory for BYD. 

What's next?

The government and the companies are scheduled to meet again on January 7. 

Chinese workers at a Brazilian construction site for Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD are victims of human trafficking, according to Brazilian labour authorities.

Brazil's Labor Prosecutor's Office said BYD and the contractor, Jinjiang Group, have agreed to assist and house the 163 workers in hotels until a deal to end their contracts is reached.

Both companies have questioned the authorities' assessment, first announced on December 23, that the workers were operating under "slavery-like conditions" at the site in Bahia.

Workers building BYD factory are victims of trafficking, Brazil says

Authorities cited concerns over living conditions and food hygiene. (Supplied: Public Labour Prosecution Office)

BYD did not immediately respond to a request for comment and Jinjiang has been approached for a response.

But on Thursday, Jinjiang denied its employees had been illegally enslaved and said the accusations had "seriously damaged the dignity of Chinese people".

"Being inexplicably labelled as 'enslaved' has made our staff feel seriously insulted and that their human rights have been violated," it said on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.

The contracting company shared images of a letter denying the poor working conditions and citing translation issues, which was allegedly signed by its local Chinese staff, according to AFP.

Workers building BYD factory are victims of trafficking, Brazil says

The local prosecutors office says the workers were operating under "slavery-like conditions" in Bahia. (Supplied: Public Labour Prosecution Office)

Further scrutiny to come

The parties are scheduled to meet again on January 7, according to the prosecutor's office.

A proposed deal by labour prosecutors will be presented to the two firms, which could clear BYD and Jinjiang from an investigation.

But they could still face scrutiny from labour inspectors and from federal prosecutors who have requested the sharing of the evidence.

"Measures can be adopted in the criminal sphere," the prosecutor's office said.

'Slave-like conditions' constructing BYD factory

Photo shows sign lit up of BYD

Workers building BYD factory are victims of trafficking, Brazil says

More than 160 Chinese nationals working in "slave-like conditions" to build a factory for BYD have been found in Brazil, according to local authorities.

The Bahia site was set to produce 150,000 cars initially, as part of plans to start production next year in Brazil.

Brazil is the Chinese EV company's largest overseas market and the factory has become an important symbol of China's growing influence in Brazil.

BYD had invested about $US620 million ($997 million) to set up the Bahia factory complex alone.

China's model of taking Chinese workers to the countries where it invests has presented challenges to local employment, a priority for Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Backlash on Chinese social media

The case has triggered a rare backlash on Chinese social media against BYD, opening a discussion over worker rights.

Several internet users said living conditions for the workers in Brazil were typical of those seen at construction sites in China.

Brazilian prosecutors released videos of the workers' living quarters, which showed bunk beds without mattresses.

They said the workers laboured for excessively long hours, sometimes seven days a week, in conditions the authorities called degrading.

Prominent Chinese commentator Hu Xijin said there could be misunderstandings, but Chinese construction companies should improve the living conditions of their employees.

Mr Hu said the case shows how BYD is likely to encounter more controversies in the future as it emerges as China's most powerful EV brand.

"The only thing BYD can do is to raise its own requirements and match its growing influence in all directions," he said.

"This is not easy, but BYD should be able to do it."

Reuters/AFP

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Hot this week

Domino’s to shut more than 200 stores globally

has announced it will be closing more than...

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promises $842 million cash injection for the Northern Territory

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made a landmark funding...

NSW doctors embrace ‘marshmellow’ moniker to highlight ‘catastrophic situation’ in public hospitals

Union says viral email stuff-up downplaying junior doctors’...

Why claims about referee favouritism are overshadowing the Super Bowl

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have been...

Topics

spot_img

Related Articles