Smartphone-Maker Gionee Lays Off Workers

In its latest sign of financial troubles, second-tier smartphone-maker Gionee Communication Equipment Co. Ltd. is laying off workers at a main manufacturing plant in Dongguan, Guangdong province.

“The staff adjustment of the factory has been submitted to the relevant labor authorities,” the company said Friday in a statement.

“We also have had consensual communications with the employees to negotiate the annulment of the contracts. All relevant compensation will strictly follow the labor agreements,” it said.