The workers at the Quinmax International Vietnam Co. want their salaries raised from an average of 760,000 dong (US$48) per month, barely above the minimum level set by the government.

“The strike began yesterday with 700 workers and now the number of workers joining the strike has risen to 1,200,” said Phan Trung with the Trade Union of Thua Thien Hue province, 600 kilometers south of Hanoi. Trung said many workers protested the factory’s policy of searching workers to prevent theft.

Quinmax officials could not be reached for comment Thursday.

There are now 12 foreign-invested companies operating in Thua Thien Hue province with 3,500 workers. Quinmax International Vietnam Co. alone has 1,400 workers. No other strike is reported at any other foreign-invested companies in the province.

Vietnam in recent years has become a magnet for low-wage industries such as garment and shoe manufacturing, but since last year tens of thousands of workers have staged strikes for higher pay, most recently over the lunar new year holiday in February.

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