Factory Strikes Spread Across China as Workers Protest Pay and Benefits Changes

Labor disputes at a Japanese-linked plant and a domestic EV maker highlight rising friction over wages and job security.

Workers assemble the Zeekr 001 EV models at the Chinese automaker Zeekr assembly plant, in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, on April 17, 2025. Andy Wong /AP Photo

Labor disputes at two manufacturing plants in China a few days ago erupted into walkout protests as workers became increasingly dissatisfied with layoffs, unpaid wages, and compensation disputes amid slowing economic growth and factory restructuring.

In Dalian, Liaoning Province, around 600 workers at an electronics plant formerly operated by Japan’s ROHM Semiconductor took part in a strike and march on May 22, protesting what they described as an unfair compensation plan following the company’s transfer to a Chinese owner.