Chinese auto giant BYD was caught using “slave” labor

Brazil’s labor prosecutor’s office found 163 Chinese nationals working in “slavery-like conditions.” The incident occurred at the construction site of a new BYD plant in South America: authorities accused the auto giant of violating local laws, forcing overtime work, unsanitary conditions, and degrading living conditions. The automaker does not admit the charges.

Brazilian authorities found that 163 workers lived right at the construction site, ate and prepared food in inadequate conditions, there was only one toilet for 31 workers, and they had to sleep without mattresses. It is also alleged that contractor Jinjiang Group confiscated the passports of 107 workers and withheld up to 60% of their salaries as collateral.

BYD began sales of the Yangwang super sedan: 1300 horsepower and a unique chassis BYD showed for the first time a competitor to the Li Auto L9: it has 965 horsepower Mercedes-Benz left a joint project with the Chinese BYD

A BYD representative said that the attack by South American officials is part of an information campaign to denigrate China and Chinese brands. However, BYD will terminate the contract with Jinjiang Group and “take appropriate measures.” The company promised to place workers in hotels and change working conditions. It is also said that the employees’ passports were collected to process the necessary documents: this step was taken to smooth out the language barrier.

A video has already circulated on the Internet with a group of BYD construction workers reading out a letter, expressing solidarity with the company and wanting to continue working. Workers also allegedly believe that reports of slave-like working conditions violate their rights. The Brazilian authorities will have to finally understand this story, and the Chinese consulate has joined the investigation.

Great Chinese price: cool cars from China