According to the authorities, the workers were hired in China by another firm and brought to Brazil irregularly.
They were labouring for long hours, in excess of what is permitted by Brazilian law, sometimes for seven days a week straight, while being kept in what authorities described as degrading conditions in their accommodation, among other labour violations.
The Chinese EV giant has terminated ties with Jinjiang Construction Brazil Ltd. and pledged to protect the rights of subcontracted workers, the company said in a statement on Monday. All workers will be transferred to hotels, it said.
“BYD Auto do Brasil reiterates its commitment to full compliance with Brazilian legislation, especially with regard to the protection of workers’ rights and human dignity,” said Alexandre Baldy, senior vice-president of BYD Brasil.
The labour authorities did not disclose the names of the firms involved in hiring the workers.