economy
Seven-day weeks and ‘debt bondage’: China’s first electric car plant in Europe mired in allegations of worker abuse
The BYD factory being built in Szeged, Hungary, is facing scrutiny after reports of EU labour laws being violated among the Chinese migrant workforce
TL;DR
- Allegations of EU labor law violations at BYD's new factory in Szeged, Hungary, involving Chinese migrant workers.
- Reported issues include seven-day working weeks, recruitment-related debt, excessive overtime, and visa breaches.
- China Labor Watch interviewed over 50 migrant workers, citing harsh living conditions and strict supervision.
- A fatal accident occurred on February 14th during a subcontractor's operation, which is under investigation.
- Rumors of migrant workers being treated for tuberculosis have also surfaced.
- Recruitment fees for some workers ranged from £860 to £2,100, potentially constituting debt bondage.
- The European Commission is aware of the allegations and a case is pending before the Hungarian labor inspectorate.
- BYD maintains it prioritizes labor rights and strict compliance with Hungarian and European laws by all stakeholders.