2 Oct 2006

New Caledonia strike impact weakens

3:03 pm on 2 October 2006

A general strike in New Caledonia, called by the CSTNC union has entered its second week.

The union has several demands, including the departure of foreign workers at the Goro Nickel construction site and the resignation of the government.

Police say while blockades have been lifted, they are on alert to prevent further action.

The Goro Nickel's deputy general manager, Jeff Zweig, says the blockade at the company headquarters in Noumea has been lifted, but demonstrators are still preventing the company ferry from sailing.

"The ferry this morning was not able to dock and take people to site, therefore they were transported to site by roadway. The construction site proceeds in all sectors, construction activity is impacted, but continues with the workers that we currently have on site."

Jeff Zweig.

Local radio announced the CSTNC leadership is scheduled to hold a meeting at the SLN mining company today.

The government had a meeting with the union last week, but did not come to an agreement, saying the union's demands are unacceptable and inapplicable.