AFP quoted a Brazilian government statement saying federal prosecutors are considering the possibility of criminal action after labor inspectors discovered 163 Chinese workers “in slave-like conditions” at the construction site. built in Bahia state in northeastern Brazil.
Photos released by the Brazilian Ministry of Labor show an operation to rescue 163 workers from “slave-like conditions” where they were building an electric car factory for the Chinese company BYD in Bahia state belonging to Brazil on December 24
The above Chinese workers, recruited by BYD contractor Jinjiang Open Engineering, are considered “victims of international human trafficking for labor exploitation,” according to a statement from the Brazilian government.
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on December 27: “We have recorded the relevant reports… and are currently verifying the situation.” Ms. Mao emphasized that Beijing “attaches great importance to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of workers, and always requires Chinese businesses to operate in accordance with laws and regulations.”
Previously on December 26, BYD and Jinjiang were questioned by Brazilian government ministries. Brazilian ministries announced that “these companies are committed to cooperating to protect the rescued workers” mentioned above.
The questioning comes after Brazilian officials announced on December 23 that they had discovered labor violations at the site being built to become BYD’s largest electric car factory outside Europe. Ah. The Bahia Department of Labor (MPT) has ordered the suspension of construction at part of that site.
Inspections carried out since November have found “degrading working conditions”, such as beds in worker housing without mattresses and one bathroom for 31 workers, according to the MPT statement . Those workers who worked long hours in the sun had “clear signs of skin damage,” according to the statement.
MPT added they suspected “forced labor”, as workers’ passports were confiscated and employers “withheld 60% of their wages”.
After the allegations were announced, BYD’s Brazilian subsidiary announced it had stopped the contract with the Jinjiang subsidiary responsible for the work at the said site. BYD’s subsidiary also confirmed that it sent 163 workers to stay at the hotel.
A BYD spokesman criticized allegations of human trafficking in a post on its Weibo social media account on December 26. Jinjiang on the same day also denied accusations of letting workers work in slave-like conditions.
Brazilian officials said they asked Jinjiang to take the 163 workers to the police to register them in Brazil’s tax system so they could be paid properly. Officials added that Jinjiang must ensure that seven of the workers scheduled to return to China on January 1, 2025 will be given air tickets and $120 for travel expenses.
