Strike action ushers in new era of work relations, says expert

BEIJING - The strike that crippled Honda's manufacturing operations in China for two weeks has ushered in a new phase of labor relations in the country, said Lee Chang-hee, a senior specialist on industrial relations and social dialogue for the International Labor Office.

The action staged by 1,900 staff at the Japanese automaker's joint venture, Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., in Foshan, Guangdong province, halted production since May 17 at four assembly plants.

Some workers agreed to return on Wednesday after being offered a pay rise of 366 yuan ($54) a month.