Strike continues for 5th day at S China factory

SHENZHEN - A strike at a factory in south China's city of Shenzhen continued for a fifth day Thursday, as workers fear their benefits may not be guaranteed due to a recent acquisition.

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.

"Almost all of the factory's workers - about 3,000 - came here today. We have chosen representatives to negotiate with the factory managers," a worker surnamed Ding told Xinhua.

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

Western Digital signed an agreement to purchase Hitachi in March. If finalized, the merger could be completed in March 2012, said Wang Sa, a spokesman for Hailiang.

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 negotations.

More than 10 security guards and police officers were seen patrolling the factory's gate Thursday morning.