9 Jun 2009

USTKE strike causes disruptions in New Caledonia

1:10 pm on 9 June 2009

There have been serious disruptions in New Caledonia where the mainly Kanak USTKE union launched a general strike as its leader is facing legal action over last month's clashes at Noumea's domestic airport.

Many petrol stations have run out of fuel, with security forces intervening to clear access to the fuel storage to allow delivery trucks to exit.

Police have also cleared the access to the public broadcaster which was one of the targets of union blockades.

The French high commission says it will order the break up of picket lines which it deems not related to the right to strike.

The unionists have been locked in a dispute with the domestic airline, Air Caledonie, which has refused to negotiate pay for the days workers have been on strike.

The USTKE leader, Gerard Jodar, is among several unionists who will be in court next week for the confrontation at Magenta airport.

The French high commission said after the unionsts' arrest that an explosive device has been found aboard one of the ATR planes.