BANGKOK — A representative from the Chinese automobile manufacturer BYD has challenged the allegations concerning poor conditions at its factory construction site in Brazil, asserting that these claims are part of a broader attempt to tarnish the reputation of China and its brands.
Earlier in the week, Brazilian prosecutors announced the rescue of 163 Chinese workers who were reportedly experiencing conditions akin to slavery at the construction site. Footage released by the Labor Prosecutor’s Office highlighted substandard living accommodations, including dorm rooms lacking mattresses and very basic cooking facilities.
BYD spokesperson Li Yunfei expressed strong disagreement with these characterizations in a statement shared on his Weibo account. He emphasized that negative portrayals of Chinese businesses and misleading media reports aimed to sabotage the relationship between China and Brazil.
BYD, known for its role as one of the leading manufacturers of electric vehicles globally, stated on Monday that it would “immediately terminate its contract” with the current contractor, the Jinjiang Group, while also considering additional appropriate measures.
The company assured that the workers involved would be temporarily accommodated in local hotels and would not face negative consequences from the suspension of activities at the site. BYD claimed that it had been actively improving the working conditions at the construction site in recent weeks and had previously instructed its contractors to implement necessary adjustments.
Li’s post on Weibo included a supposed “declaration” from the Chinese workers at the site, which featured red thumbprints of the individuals involved, who were shown gathered in a room in a video clip.
In the video, one worker read a declaration stating that the reports regarding their labor conditions infringed on their rights and that the prevailing issues stemmed from misunderstandings. “We value this job and wish to continue working here,” the worker remarked, prompting applause from the group after he finished speaking.
Prosecutors noted troubling sanitary conditions at the BYD worksite, citing there was only one toilet for every 31 workers, leading many to wake up as early as 4 a.m. to line up for departure to work by 5:30 a.m.
According to Brazilian legislation, conditions that resemble slavery include being subject to forced labor, extreme working hours, degrading workplace environments, and limitations on an individual’s freedom of movement.
Additionally, Brazilian officials reported that Jinjiang Construction Brazil had seized workers’ passports and withheld 60% of their wages. Workers who decided to leave the job would be expected to reimburse the company for their travel expenses from China and back.
The workers, however, stated that the seizure of their passports was necessary for the company to handle work permits and other administrative processes, particularly since many struggled with language barriers.
In a statement, Jinjiang Construction Brazil defended itself, indicating that it had been subject to frequent inspections by local labor authorities in Brazil. They contended that cultural differences and translation issues may have contributed to misunderstandings, pointing out that assertions of workers being “enslaved” or “rescued” were inconsistent with reality.
Jinjiang Construction Brazil also expressed willingness for its workers to engage with the media regarding their experiences. Living conditions for migrant laborers can often be quite austere in many developing areas, and such labor arrangements frequently include contracts that obligate workers to reimburse considerable sums spent on securing their employment, despite regulations against such practices.
