But facing intense pressure from politicians, the clergy and labor leaders, the company rehired them 10 days later.
Since the strike ended, the company has rehired all but 50 workers, who would now regain their jobs.
In recent weeks the company has rehired 25 employees and might need to recall as many as 200 more.
The company will rehire the workers in factories as more senior workers retire.
The company then paid for the employee's rehabilitation and rehired him.
For much of 2010 the company rehired old and new staff and began supporting old owners with issues again.
Several years ago, for example, it agreed to a controversial clause under which companies could rehire long-term unemployed people at reduced wages.
Traditionally, companies laid off people in tough times and rehired them once business improved.
According to the proposed agreement, the company would immediately rehire some of these workers.
Since then, the company has rehired about 100 workers and restarted several production lines, company officials said.