19 Aug 2009

French Polynesia strikers gather at assembly

10:58 am on 19 August 2009

Hundreds of people have gathered at the French Polynesian assembly as most trade unions have launched an open-ended strike over a list of grievances.

The action comes after inconclusive talks between the main unions and the territory's government.

The strikers have called for action to stem the rise in unemployment amid calls for the state-approved price of petrol, gas and electricity to be lowered.

The crowd, which has been estimated to be about 800-strong, had been expected to march to the presidential palace but moved to the assembly instead.

More talks are expected today while there have been suggestions that the union may take additional but yet unspecified steps.