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BYD Contractor Denies Forced Labour Allegations

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

BYD Responds to Slavery Concerns Surrounding Brazilian Plant Construction”>Jinjiang Group Denies Forced Labor Allegations at BYD Plant in Brazil

The Jinjiang Group, a contractor for electric vehicle giant BYD, has strongly refuted accusations from Brazil’s Labor Authority that the company engages in forced labor at its plant in Camari, Bahia. The allegations surfaced after the authority rescued 163 workers from conditions resembling slavery.

In a statement, Jinjiang categorically denied the forced labor claims, asserting that they tarnish the dignity and human rights of Chinese citizens. "Being labeled ‘enslaved’ without clear evidence has deeply hurt the dignity and human rights of our workers, greatly hurting the feelings of the Chinese people," the company said via its official Weibo account.

Jinjiang management attributed the situation to misunderstandings arising from translation issues and cultural differences. To bolster its stance, the company shared a video of Chinese workers publicly reading a joint statement, stating that 107 employees had voluntarily handed over their passports to facilitate the processing of temporary identification certificates in Brazil—contradicting claims that the company had confiscated their passports.

并且，Manajemen mempertahankan bahwa situasi tersebut adalah hasil dari kesalahpahaman dalam penerjemahan dan perbedaan budaya. Untukihakkan pendiriannya, perusahaan meunjukan video yang mempertontonkan sekelompok pekerja Cina yang membacakan surat yang telah ditandatangani bersama oleh para pekerja.

Employees explicitly stated their satisfaction with working at the Camacari plant, expressing willingness to follow Brazilian laws and work diligently to expedite the completion of the country’s largest new energy vehicle project.

The company believes that the allegations, if left unaddressed, severely impact China’s national image and dignity. Jinjiang remains committed to ensuring the well-being and legal rights of its workers while fostering positive international cooperation.

(Reported by Rrd; Editing by Rrd)

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World

BYD Responds to Slavery Concerns Surrounding Brazilian Plant Construction

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

BYD Responds to Slavery Allegations in Brazil Factory Construction

BYD has responded to slavery allegations surrounding the construction of its factory in Brazil, upholding its commitment to human dignity and the law. The Chinese automaker, known for its electric vehicles, has terminated its contract with the implicated construction company, Jinjiang Construction Brazil Ltda.

Allegations and Government Intervention

The Ministry of Labor in Brazil issued a severe violation notice to BYD Auto do Brasil for outsourcing the construction contract to Jinjiang. The ministry alleges that the company has committed serious violations, including slavery-like conditions.

BYD’s Response

In a statement received by Detik, BYD Auto do Brasil reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on any disrespect towards the law and human dignity. The company has subsequently ended its contract with Jinjiang and is exploring further appropriate actions.

BYD has ensured that the subcontracted workers will not be negatively affected by this decision. The company has arranged for their temporary accommodation in local hotels while investigations continue. BYD has also been scrutinizing the working conditions and lives of these workers, engaging with the implicated subcontracting company, and making necessary improvements.

BYD’s Commitment to Brazilian Law

Alexandre Baldy, Senior Vice President of BYD Brasil, stressed the company’s commitment to fully complying with Brazilian law, especially regarding worker protection and human dignity. He stated, "Perusahaan telah beroperasi di Brasil selama 10 tahun dan selalu mematuhi undang-undang setempat dengan ketat juga menjaga komitmennya terhadap etika, rasa hormat, dan martabat manusia."

Previous Allegations and Ongoing Investigations

Previously, Brazilian authorities halted the construction of BYD’s electric vehicle plant due to suspected slavery and labor exploitation among Chinese workers. The country’s Ministry of Public Labor (MPT) reported rescuing around 160 workers from deplorable conditions.

Investigations revealed:

  • Workers were housed in unfit buildings without beds, forcing some to sleep on the floor.
  • Multiple workers shared each bathroom, contradicting local labor standards.
  • Workers were subjected to early morning shifts and had their passports confiscated.
  • They received no pay, violating Brazil’s labor laws.

The MPT labeled the conditions "slave labor," stating that they posed a significant threat to workers’ safety and dignity. The ministry is also investigating potential cases of ‘forced labor’ due to workers’ financial dependencies and high contract termination fees.

BYD’s first plant outside of Asia was initially scheduled to commence operations in March 2023. The company continues to cooperate with Brazilian authorities to address these allegations and ensure its factories adhere to local laws and ethical standards.

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World

BYD’s Factory Expansion Halts Amid Slavery Allegations in This Nation

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Title: BYD‘s Electric Vehicle Plant in Brazil Shut Down Over Slave Labor Concerns

In an alarming turn of events, Brazilian authorities haveordered the halt of construction on Chinese electric vehicle maker Build Your Dreams (BYD)’s plant in the country, following allegations of forced labor. The revelation has salvaged scores of workers from what authorities describe as modern-day slavery.

Citing sources from Reuters and BBC, Brazil’s Ministry of Labor (MPT) confirmed the rescue of around 160 workers in Bahia, Brazil. In response, BYD has severed ties with involved construction companies, pledging to adhere to local labor laws and ensure the safety and rights of subcontracted workers, who have since been moved to nearby hotels.

The 160 workers, hailing from China, were housed in subpar facilities, reportedly living without pay, and their passports were withheld. They were cramped into shared accommodations—up to 31 workers per bathroom—operating too early, violating local labor regulations.

"Such conditions indicate a scenario of insecurity and debasement, amounting to slavery," said MPT. Moreover, the ministry classified the scenario as ‘human trafficking’ due to widespread wage retention and high subcontracting fees that forced workers into debt.

BYD’s Brazil plant, slated to commence operations in March 2024, was set to be the company’s first overseas facility. This development casts a dark shadow over the project’s intended impact on Brazil’s budding electric vehicle industry.

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