YOUNG财经 漾财经·2025-05-30 10:50Core Viewpoint - The Brazilian Ministry of Labor has filed a civil lawsuit against BYD and its contractors, accusing them of "slave labor" and "human trafficking," seeking compensation of 257 million reais (approximately 323 million yuan) [1]. Group 1: Lawsuit and Allegations - The lawsuit was officially filed on May 27, 2024, by the Brazilian Public Labor Ministry (MPT) against BYD and two contractors [1]. - The Brazilian Anti-Slavery Labor Inspection Department stated that there is no evidence that BYD was aware of the violations, but the company holds "direct responsibility" for the actions of its third-party contractors [3]. - Reports of labor issues at BYD's Brazilian factory first emerged in November 2024, highlighting severe working conditions for nearly 500 Chinese workers [6]. Group 2: Working Conditions - Allegations against BYD's contractors include physical abuse, unsanitary living conditions, lack of personal protective equipment, and forced labor with 12-hour workdays, including Sundays [8]. - These issues reportedly began shortly after the factory commenced operations in March 2024 [10]. Group 3: Company Response and Impact - Following the exposure of these labor issues, BYD took immediate action on December 23, 2024, terminating its contract with the contractor involved and ensuring the safe return of 163 rescued workers [11]. - The labor dispute has delayed the factory's construction, which was initially expected to start production in early 2024, with full operations now projected for December 2026 [13]. - BYD's ambitious plans in Brazil, including an estimated annual production of 300,000 vehicles and the potential creation of over 20,000 jobs, are now overshadowed by these labor controversies [13].