Brazilian authorities have halted the construction of a factory for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD, saying workers lived in conditions compar

Brazil shuts BYD factory site over 'slavery' conditions

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2024-12-24 15:00:17

Brazilian authorities have halted the construction of a factory for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD, saying workers lived in conditions comparable to "slavery".

More than 160 workers have been rescued in Brazil's northeastern state of Bahia, according to a statement from the Public Labour Prosecutor's Office (MPT).

They were allegedly put in a "degrading" environment and had their passports and salaries withheld by a building company.

BYD said in a statement that it had cut ties with the firm involved and remained committed to a "full compliance with Brazilian legislation".

"The conditions found in the lodgings revealed an alarming picture of precariousness and degradation," the MPT said.

The MPT added that the situation also constitutes "forced labour", as many workers had their wages withheld and faced excessive costs for terminating their contracts.