Striking teachers at a kindergarten in Guangzhou's Baiyun district returned to work on Monday afternoon after mediation from the education department, Southern Metropolis Daily reported.

Many parents had to take leave from work to look after their children after they learned classes had been suspended on Monday morning because of the strike, a parent said.

Zhang Xiaoyan, a teacher at the kindergarten, said 36 teachers joined the strike.

"Many teachers earn less than 2,000 yuan ($320) after they have worked in the kindergarten for years," Zhang told media.

The local education department quickly launched an investigation after hearing of the case and mediated between those involved.

Tian Liyin, head of the kindergarten, admitted that teachers' salaries were not high but said relevant departments promised to increase the salaries as a result of the mediation.