GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala -- More than 300 workers took over a
                 clothing factory in Guatemala City to demand back pay, local press reported
                 Thursday.

                 The workers said they would not leave the factory until the owner paid their late
                 wages in cash.

                 It was the second disturbance in a week at a textile plant in Guatemala City.

                 On Monday, some 300 workers took over a different textile factory and set
                 buildings on fire, complaining that officials had closed the plant without paying
                 workers.

                 Industry groups say 40 clothing factories have closed in Guatemala, leaving 8,000
                 people jobless.

                 Officials have said higher wages and taxes imposed by President Alfonso Portillo as
                 well as the global economic slowdown have contributed to the closings.