BYD Scrambles to Recover From Labor Abuse Controversy in Brazil

Screenshots from a dormitory housing some of the 160 Chinese workers at BYD construction site that Brazilian authorities described as "slave like conditions." AFP

The Chinese automotive giant BYD is in full-scale damage control mode following revelations at the end of the year that some of the workers building the company’s new factory in northern Brazil had endured “slavery”-like conditions.

Initially, the company responded defensively, accusing the media of “smearing Chinese brands, smearing China and attempting to undermine the friendship between China and Brazil.” Later, a BYD spokesperson took a more contrite tone and said the company plans to cooperate with the Ministry of Justice’s investigation into the matter that’s now underway.

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by Eric Olander

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