The Public Ministry of Labor (MPT) opened an investigation to investigate the working conditions of workers in the construction works of the BYD factory, a Chinese electric car manufacturer, which will be installed in Camaçari, 50 km from Salvador.
The MPT’s decision comes after a report from Public Agencypublished on November 27, which revealed complaints about the employees’ work routine.
According to the article, Chinese workers from outsourced companies would be facing working hours of up to 12 hours a day, without weekly days off and without the use of adequate protective equipment. Furthermore, there are reports of physical attacks, lack of drinking water and degrading accommodation conditions for workers.
Continues after advertising
In response, BYD issued a statement repudiating the images that circulated on social media and stated that it will take strict measures against the attackers, including removing them and banning access to the unit. The automaker also demanded that outsourced companies take urgent measures to avoid the repetition of such situations.
The MPT investigation was opened after an anonymous complaint received in September and an inspection carried out in November in the construction area. The agency is collecting information to prepare a conduct adjustment proposal or possible legal action against BYD.
Attorney Bernardo Guimarães, responsible for the investigation, highlighted the need to correct procedures related to the work environment to guarantee the health and safety of employees. BYD, in turn, stated that it is committed to collaborating with the MPT and reinforced supervision of the work to ensure compliance with labor legislation.
Continues after advertising
The construction of BYD’s new factory in Camaçari was announced in 2023. The automaker took over the industrial complex that belonged to Ford. The planned investment for the project is R$5.5 billion, with an initial production capacity of up to 150,000 electric and hybrid vehicles per year.
