More labour chaos... this time in Shanghai

A group of 1,800 angry workers demanding overdue pay at a cotton mill in Xinhe, Chongming Island have held seven top managers of the Korean-owned mill hostage since Friday, including the chief executive officer of the factory. The news was reported in the Korean Chosun Ilbo, and as Fons Tuinstra of China Herald notes, the Chinese media has been silent on the story because "Chinese media cannot write about such unharmonious behavior". Our own search also turned up zero search results (so if anyone finds anything, please do let us know).

Apparently, like the Shenzhen gang attacks we just told you about, this one is also related to the upcoming labour law changes.

More from Chosun Ilbo:

According to the Consulate General, several hundred Chinese workers in groups blocked the gate of the factory to prevent the Korean officials from leaving. During the process, some of the Koreans were beaten by workers.

H has been doing business for 10 years and set up a second cotton spinning factory two years ago. However, it has been preparing for liquidation due to a worsening management environment.

After being alerted to the situation, the Consulate General asked local police to protect the Koreans. It also asked the local government to mediate the situation and try to negotiate with the workers. Negotiations between the workers and Korean management are underway now.

Photo of factories on Chongming Island from juliekimyan