The Information Center for Human Rights and Democracy said about 2,000 workers of the Shuyuan Machinery Enterprise (Kunshan) factory in Huaqiao of Kunshan City have been protesting since Monday over wages, subsidies and food quality.

The Hong Kong-based watchdog said hundreds of antiriot police officers clashed with the workers after police allegedly attacked a pregnant woman. Of the injured workers, five reportedly sustained serious wounds including the woman.

A community-based Chinese Workers Research website earlier posted two video links depicting a walkout Monday by hundreds of workers at the factory, owned by Taiwan-based KOK International Enterprise Group.

Police officers were seen pushing the workers back into the factory compound after they tried to leave the site to protest on the streets, a common way by protesters in China to draw public attention.

The website was shut down in the afternoon.

A Kunshan public security bureau spokesman, identified by surname Chang, said ''Yes'' when asked about the protest but he declined to comment further on the reported injuries.

Police were spotted on streets surrounding the factory, Hong Kong's Cable TV reported.

It said the factory hires some 3,000 workers. One worker said monthly wages have been raised from 850 yuan ($124) to 920 yuan, or 960 yuan with bonus.

The workers claimed wages have failed to keep up with the rising cost of living and also demanded higher subsidies, maternity leave and better food, the center said.

==Kyodo