BYD Clarifies Regarding The Practice Of Factory Construction Slavery In Brazil, Promises To Provide Workers Protection

The BYD logo in Brazil. (Doc. BYD Brasil)

JAKARTA - Build Your Dreams or BYD received unpleasant news after receiving reports from Brazilian authorities regarding the practice of "slavery" at its factory construction site in Bahia City.

According to local authorities, the workers were employed in China by another company and brought to Brazil inappropriately. They work with long working hours and even exceed the time permitted by local law up to seven days a week.

Then, as many as 163 workers were found in inhumane conditions and there were other labor violations.

According to one of the labor inspectors, Liane Durao said at least 107 people had their passports withheld by the company's superiors and their safety conditions were not met.

"We found that as many as 163 workers were carried out in conditions such as slavery. The minimum safety condition was not fulfilled in their work environment," said Durao.

After this case emerged, Brazil's BYD Auto do provided clarification that it had terminated its contract with construction service contract company Jinjiang Construction Brazil Ltd for committing serious deviations.

Thus, the manufacturer reiterated its commitment that employees who are subcontracted will not suffer losses by the decision and ensure that all their rights will continue to be protected.

"Brazil's BYD Auto do reaffirms its commitment to fully comply with local laws, particularly regarding the protection of workers' rights and human dignity," said Brazil's Senior Vice President BYD, Alexandre Baldy in an official company broadcast received by VOI, Thursday, December 26.

The manufacturer will take this issue seriously and will cooperate with the authorities to protect workers' rights and human dignity.

"For this reason, the company has been working with the competent authorities from the start and has decided to terminate the contract with construction company Jinjiang," concluded Baldy.