China Workers Contracted by Uniqlo Strike over Plant Closure

BEIJING, China — More than 300 Chinese workers at an apparel factory that supplies international brands such as Uniqlo have been protesting for about two weeks what they say is a unilateral decision by the management to close down.

The strike is one of more than 1,000 collective actions since January by Chinese workers, who are increasingly turning to group actions in fighting for their rights.

Workers at Shenzhen Artigas Clothing & Leatherware say the management is forcing them to move to another factory and they demand a proper negotiation for the relocation.

Officials at Lever Style Limited, which manages Artigas, refuse to comment, while Uniqlo Co., Ltd. has issued a statement urging for a peaceful resolution.

The Japanese retailer says it could severe contract with the supplier if the matter is unresolved.