Chinese electric carmaker BYD's factory in Brazil was shut down by officials after 163 Chinese nationals were rescued from working in 'conditions analogous to slavery.' The workers were subjected to precarious and degrading conditions, including inadequate lodgings, unsanitary food, and lack of hygiene measures. The investigation also revealed forced labor practices and withholding of wages and passports by the contractor.
Key Points
Rescue of workers from slave-like conditions
Forced labor practices and withholding of wages and passports
Immediate termination of the contract with the responsible contractor
Pros
Rescue of 163 Chinese nationals from working in slave-like conditions
Exposure of forced labor practices and withholding of wages and passports by the contractor
Immediate termination of the contract with the responsible contractor by BYD
Cons
Violation of workers' rights and dignity
Inadequate living conditions and lack of basic hygiene measures at the lodgings
Serious irregularities at the construction site, including exposure to intense solar radiation