“Serious human rights violations”
VW sued over possible slave labor in Brazil
December 5, 2024 – 9:01 p.mReading time: 1 Min.
On a farm in the Amazon region, workers are said to have been kept like serfs in the 1970s and 1980s. An out-of-court settlement with Volkswagen do Brasil failed.
Brazil’s labor prosecutor has sued Volkswagen do Brasil over possible slave labor on an Amazon farm in the 1970s and 1980s. In the civil lawsuit, the authority is demanding compensation payments of 165 million reais (around 26 million euros). Volkswagen do Brasil did not initially comment on this when asked. An out-of-court settlement failed in March last year.
The allegations relate to the conditions at the agricultural company Fazenda Volkswagen, which belonged to a subsidiary of Volkswagen do Brasil. According to investigators, armed guards and a bonded labor system prevented workers from leaving the farm. These are characteristics of modern slave labor.
“Documents and witness statements demonstrate the serious human rights violations on the fazenda during this period,” said prosecutor Rafael Garcia Rodrigues. “Workers were subjected to slavery-like conditions through exhausting work hours, degrading working conditions and debt bondage.”
At that time, the car company wanted to enter the meat business with Fazenda Volkswagen. The farm was founded in the 1970s and supported by the Brazilian military dictatorship.It was around 1,400 square kilometers in size and had around 300 workers. The temporary workers responsible for the clearing were not directly employed by the subsidiary.
How could the VW lawsuit affect corporate accountability and labor rights in the automotive industry?
Interview: Unpacking the VW Slave Labor allegations in Brazil
Editor, Time.news: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. maria Lacerda,an expert in labor rights and human rights law. We are here to discuss the serious allegations against Volkswagen do Brasil regarding possible slave labor practices on a farm in the Amazon region during the 1970s and 1980s.
Dr. Maria Lacerda: Thank you for inviting me. It’s critical to discuss these issues, especially when they involve ancient injustices that affect workers and their families even today.
Editor: To kick things off, could you shed light on the allegations against VW and what led to the recent lawsuit by Brazil’s labor prosecutor?
Dr. Lacerda: Certainly.The lawsuit arises from claims of inhumane treatment of workers on Fazenda Volkswagen, a subsidiary involved in land and cattle farming during Brazil’s military dictatorship. Allegations include the use of armed guards and debt bondage,which are defining characteristics of modern slavery. Investigators have presented extensive documentation and eyewitness accounts that underscore the violations these workers faced.
Editor: It’s alarming to think that such conditions persisted for decades. How significant is the demand for 165 million reais in compensation within the context of human rights violations?
Dr. Lacerda: The demand for compensation is quite symbolical. While 165 million reais, approximately 26 million euros, is significant, it also serves as a reminder of the responsibility corporations have towards their past actions, especially in terms of human rights violations. This compensation can definitely help in addressing the damages faced by workers, but it also sends a message to other corporations about the importance of ethical practices and accountability.
Editor: This isn’t the first time VW has faced scrutiny over its operations. What implications could this lawsuit have for the automotive industry and corporate practices in general?
Dr.Lacerda: This case could set a precedent for how companies manage their legacies and labor practices globally. The automotive industry, like many others, must now reckon with its historical ties to exploitative practices.Companies are under increasing pressure to adopt transparent supply chains and ensure that human rights are prioritized—not just now, but in their historical contexts as well.
Editor: As these revelations come to light, what practical advice would you offer companies to avoid similar pitfalls in the future?
Dr. Lacerda: Companies should conduct thorough audits of their past and present operations, particularly in regions with complex labor histories. Engaging local communities, promoting fair labor practices, and implementing comprehensive training on human rights are essential steps. Establishing clear channels for whistleblowing and reporting helps protect workers and can foster a culture of integrity.
Editor: Dr. Lacerda, thank you for your insights today. The VW case reminds us that history does not go away; it reverberates through communities and industries. Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
Dr. lacerda: The VW case is crucial not just for its financial repercussions but also for its moral implications. It reminds us that accountability is key to healing historical wounds. Companies must embrace their responsibilities, and society must remain vigilant in advocating for justice in all its forms.
Editor: Thank you once again for your valuable perspective on this pressing issue. We hope our readers gain a clearer understanding of the implications of these serious human rights violations.