Summary Says he's waiting for his lawyers to arrive to resolve a compensation dispute.
BEIJING (AP) An American executive held in his Beijing medical supply plant by angry workers says he s waiting for his lawyers to arrive to resolve a compensation dispute that highlights tensions in China s labor market.
Chip Starnes was enduring a fifth day of captivity Tuesday at the factory that makes products for Coral Springs, Florida-based Specialty Medical Supplies.
About 100 workers are demanding generous severance packages identical to those offered 30 workers being laid-off from the company s plastics division. The demands followed rumors the entire plant was being closed, despite Starnes assertion the company doesn t plan to fire the others.
Union official Chu Lixiang said the workers were demanding unpaid salary and "fair or reasonable" compensation. Securing severance is a primary concern among workers often left unprotected when factories close.
