Workers at BYD’s Camaçari factory in Bahia, Brazil, have approved a new compensation agreement following a 24-hour stoppage. The deal provides a 5.3% wage increase, below the 7.5% sought by the union but above BYD’s initial 4.3% offer. Overtime was also suspended during the dispute. Because the union’s wage adjustment date was July 1, retroactive pay is due by October 30.
The monthly food allowance will rise by 33.3% to R$800, split between R$700 in meal benefits and R$100 on a benefits card. The card is also set to receive R$600 in back payments for July, August and September, by October 30. Workers will receive a R$1,000 year-end bonus before Christmas.
The complex employs about 8,600 people, including roughly 1,200 Chinese workers, according to the local metalworkers’ union chief. BYD assembles the Dolphin Mini, King, Song Pro and Atto 2 there. Employees currently work 42 hours a week; a previously negotiated reduction to 40 hours is expected to take effect when a third shift begins, planned for November 9.
Further union discussions are expected to cover a salary-grade plan, health-insurance costs for dependents and a different night-shift premium for third-shift workers. The union described the agreement as an improvement while noting that some wage and workplace issues remain unresolved.