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Exclusive: BYD hires Brazilian construction company after slave labor SCANDAL in Bahia

Written by Carla Teles de Lima
Published 25/01/2025 às 20:41
Exclusive: BYD hires Brazilian construction company after slave labor SCANDAL in Bahia
Labor laws in Brazil protect workers by ensuring decent conditions, such as safety and fair working hours. After serious allegations, BYD had to adjust its operations to comply with these laws and avoid further problems.

After shocking allegations of slave-like conditions involving 163 Chinese workers, BYD breaks with the accused contractor and hires a Brazilian company to recover its factory in Camaçari, Bahia.

Have you ever stopped to think about the impact that working conditions have on the reputation of large companies? BYD, a Chinese automotive giant, recently felt this first-hand. After serious allegations involving workers at its factory in Camaçari, Bahia, the company took drastic measures to repair the damage and prevent further problems.

Understand the case: Complaints about BYD works in Bahia

It all started with an operation in December 2024, when a task force led by the Public Ministry of Labor (MPT) found 163 Chinese workers living in conditions that could be described as scenes from a nightmare. Having to sleep on a paper-thin mattress, eating next to construction materials or facing exhausting shifts of up to 70 hours a week.

The situation was considered so serious that construction work on the factory was partially halted. The Chinese company Jinjiang, hired by BYD to manage the construction, was accused of practices such as withholding passports and wages, as well as negligence towards the safety and well-being of workers.

BYD's response: Changes and hiring of a new construction company

Camaçari, in Bahia, is known as an important industrial hub, attracting large companies such as BYD. The construction of the automaker's factory aims to expand the production of electric vehicles in Brazil, but has faced controversy due to allegations of irregular work.
Camaçari, in Bahia, is known as an important industrial hub, attracting large companies such as BYD. The construction of the automaker's factory aims to expand the production of electric vehicles in Brazil, but has faced controversy due to allegations of irregular work.

According to the UOL website, with the negative repercussions, BYD wasted no time. The first action was to terminate the contract with Jinjiang. Then, it temporarily hired Sepeng Engenharia, a Brazilian construction company, to make the necessary adjustments to the embargoed work.

Sepeng, hired by BYD, was tasked with tasks such as regulating safety standards, installing rest areas and improving the site's signage. The most interesting thing? A good portion of the 100 new workers are residents of Camaçari, reinforcing the positive impact on the local economy.

Local Impact: Brazilian Workers and Regulation

This change is not just symbolic. Hiring local workers brings a boost to the region's economy, as well as ensuring that safety standards and working conditions are respected. After all, Brazil has labor legislation strict that cannot be ignored.

Emergency measures, such as housing foreign workers in hotels and ensuring decent conditions, show BYD's efforts to regain its credibility.

Commitment to the future: Compliance measures and new infrastructure

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, BYD has created a compliance committee to monitor and ensure that cases like this do not happen again. The group includes lawyers, labor law experts and external consultants.

Another significant change was the restructuring of the facilities for workers, who now have rooms equipped with TV and air conditioning. The images released by the company show a clear attempt to turn the page and demonstrate respect for Brazilian standards.

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Carla Teles de Lima

I talk about technology, innovation and the oil and gas sector, bringing up-to-date and relevant content about the Brazilian market. Every day, I share information about job opportunities and the main news in the sector. Do you have a suggestion for a topic? Just send it to my email: carlatdl016@gmail.com.

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