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May 12, 2026
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China's BYD faces allegations of worker abuse at Hungary electric car plant

AI Summary
China's BYD is facing allegations of worker abuse at its new electric car plant in Hungary, with claims of seven-day working weeks, debt bondage, and excessive overtime. The allegations have been made by China Labor Watch, which interviewed over 50 migrant workers hired through subcontractors.

The Allegations Against BYD's Hungarian Electric Car Plant

China's BYD, the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, is facing serious allegations of worker abuse at its new electric car plant in Szeged, Hungary. The plant, which is expected to be operational by 2027, has been mired in controversy following a report by China Labor Watch (CLW), a New York-based rights organization.

Working Conditions and Labor Rights Abuses

CLW interviewed more than 50 migrant workers who highlighted a series of potential violations of EU labor laws, including:

  • Seven-day working weeks
  • Recruitment-related debt
  • Excessive overtime
  • Visa breaches among Chinese workers hired through subcontractors

Some employees reportedly choose to work seven days a week, while others described living conditions as "quite harsh" and supervisors as "very strict."

The Impact on Migrant Workers

The allegations also mention that for workers coming from low-income regions in China, recruitment fees may constitute a substantial debt bondage. This has raised concerns about the exploitation of migrant workers.

The Response from BYD and Hungarian Authorities

A London spokesperson for BYD confirmed that there had been a death on February 14 in an accident at the construction site. The company stated that the circumstances of the accident are currently under investigation and the exact cause has not been established.

The European Commission said it was aware of the allegations and had been told there was "a case pending before the Hungarian labor inspectorate" related to the claims.

The Future of the Szeged Factory

The BYD factory in Szeged represents a $4.5 billion investment and is expected to transform the city. However, concerns about labor practices and environmental impact have been raised by local residents.

As the investigation into the allegations continues, it remains to be seen how this will affect the future operations of the BYD factory in Hungary and the company's reputation in Europe.