BYD Brazil: Labor Lawsuit & Allegations
- Brazilian prosecutors are suing Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD and two contractors, alleging slave labor conditions and international human trafficking.
- The action follows an examination into labor practices at BYD's new factory construction site in Camaçari.
- according to the prosecutors' office, the workers endured "extremely degrading" conditions.
BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle giant, faces a $50 million lawsuit in Brazil over alleged egregious labor violations.Prosecutors are pursuing legal action for slave-like conditions and human trafficking at a new factory construction site, following the rescue of 220 Chinese workers. Authorities found appalling conditions, including a lack of proper sanitation and inadequate living arrangements endured by the construction workers. The investigation into BYD’s labor practices has raised serious questions about the treatment of workers. This in-depth article, brought to you by News Directory 3, uncovers all the details. Discover what’s next …
BYD Faces $50M Lawsuit Over Labor Abuse Claims in Brazil
Updated May 27, 2025
Brazilian prosecutors are suing Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD and two contractors, alleging slave labor conditions and international human trafficking. The lawsuit, filed in Bahia state, seeks 257 million Brazilian reais ($50 million) in damages from BYD, China JinJiang Construction Brazil, and Tecmonta Equipamentos Inteligentes.
The action follows an examination into labor practices at BYD’s new factory construction site in Camaçari. Last year,authorities rescued 220 Chinese workers who prosecutors say were brought to Brazil under false pretenses and with improper visas.
according to the prosecutors’ office, the workers endured ”extremely degrading” conditions. They described settlements maintained by BYD, JinJiang, and tecmonta where some workers slept on beds without mattresses, their belongings stored alongside food. The office also noted a severe lack of bathrooms,with one settlement providing a single toilet for 31 people,forcing workers to wake up at 4 a.m. for personal hygiene.
In December,a BYD spokesperson dismissed reports of poor conditions at the Brazilian construction site,claiming the allegations were intended to smear China and chinese brands.