Chinese Workers in Brazil Reported to be in Slavery-like Conditions at BYD Site

Chinese workers at a BYD construction site in Brazil are reportedly working under ‘slavery-like conditions,’ including excessive hours and inadequate living conditions. Labor authorities revealed that 107 workers had their passports withheld and required permission to leave their accommodations. The investigation raises significant concerns about labor exploitation at the site.

Recent reports have surfaced implicating that Chinese workers are being subjected to ‘slavery-like conditions’ at a BYD construction site in Brazil. Authorities disclosed that these workers, initially hired by another company in China, were brought to Brazil without following legal protocols. Subsequently, they worked excessively long hours, often exceeding the limits stipulated by national labor laws, sometimes laboring seven consecutive days in unhealthy and degrading accommodations.

The issue arises in the context of Brazil’s legislative framework which defines ‘slavery-like conditions’ to include forced labor, degrading work conditions, long working hours detrimental to health, and violations of human dignity. The Brazilian labor authorities, upon investigation, found significant infractions, highlighting the plight of foreign workers engaged in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle sector. This situation raises critical questions about labor practices and human rights protections in global supply chains.

In summary, the discovery of Chinese workers enduring ‘slavery-like conditions’ at the BYD site in Brazil underscores serious labor exploitation issues within the construction and electric vehicle sectors. The alarming conditions reported warrant closer scrutiny from regulatory bodies and call for immediate action to safeguard workers’ rights and dignity. Ensuring ethical labour practices is essential in maintaining corporate responsibility and human rights compliance globally.

Original Source: www.scmp.com