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Strike continues at south China factory

Xinhua, December 12, 2011

• A strike at a factory in south China's city of Shenzhen continued for a week as of Sunday, as workers fear their benefits and working positions may not be guaranteed due to a recent acquisition.

  Nearly 1,000 workers have gone on strike in a Japanese-owned factory in the southern boom town of Shenzhen in Guangdong province since last December 4.

  Ever from 11 p.m. on Dec. 4, nearly 1,000 workers blocked the entrance to an office belonging to Shenzhen Hailiang Storage Product Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, and hoisted banners.

  The striking workers said they are afraid their benefits could be compromised if their factory is sold to Western Digital, a U.S. hard drive manufacturer.

  The company side has committed to increase the salary and improve the benefits. But the workers are not satisfied with these commitments, said a worker surnamed Ding.

  Most of the workers expect the company to offer a clear arrangement plan for workers after the acquisition, and they would like the buyout with some compensation according to the law, he added.

  The workers will continue the strike "until the company side gives us a reasonable solution", he said.

  The company is still negotiating with the striking workers. And there is still "no clear timetable" to solve the strike, said a spokesperson with the company.

  On Saturday morning, some workers were slightly injured in the conflicts between the striking workers and the police officers and security guards.

  Western Digital signed an agreement to purchase Hitachi in March. If finalized, the merger could be completed in March 2012.

  The factory's managers said they have notified Hitachi's headquarters in Japan and will soon respond to the worker's protests. Local labor authorities have joined the negotiations.

   

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