BYD Motors Inc. applauds key findings contained in today’s Los Angeles Times article (“Firm Denies Pay Rule Violations”) that affirm the company is fast becoming one of the best places to work in California. BYD is rapidly adding jobs, our factory workers earn more and we’re providing clean technology to eliminate soot and smog-forming exhaust from buses and other vehicles. The article, which appeared atop the California section (page B-1), presents an even-handed treatment of the facts that show, despite labor union activists’ allegations to the contrary, BYD has fully complied with government contract provisions while creating a diverse workforce and track record as a good corporate citizen.

Specifically, the article cites facts provided by BYD that show:

  • The company is not opposed to unions – some of its overseas operations are organized – so long as it’s done using a democratic process honoring secret-ballot elections under National Labor Relations Board provisions.
  • Workers who refurbished the company’s downtown L.A. headquarters were paid more than the living wage.
  • Full-time employees at the company’s main office on Figueroa Street earn the living wage or more today.
  • BYD has provided the City records for construction work – three years ago – but the City lost them.
  • The company did not violate state minimum wage laws, and an investigation proved that (in fact, factory workers at BYD’s plant in Lancaster, Calif., average 14.2 percent more salary than comparable workers in California, according to PayScale.com).
  • The company won the final contract for new buses for Long Beach Transit based on the merits of its zero-emissions technology.

And the article quotes key leaders in government, academia and business who say labor unions often target big, new employers with harassment tactics or political pressure that can create a hostile business climate for California, potentially driving away jobs and global investment.

BYD values its partnerships with public agencies and demonstrates it returns good value to communities for every dollar it receives in support. We currently employ 221 workers across the region that includes Los Angeles – a seven-fold increase in three years. We provide good paying jobs and generous benefits. We are hiring, too, as production and employment is forecast to rapidly scale over the next two years to meet demand for clean transportation alternatives.

To learn more, please visit BYD’s new website, www.BYDCaliforniaDreaming.com, which tells our story of how we do good by workers and have a vision to transform the world. Or contact Micheal Austin, BYD’s vice president, micheal.austin@byd.com, 1-800-BYD-AUTO.