Tahiti port strike imminent

5:54 pm on 8 May 2016
Port of Tahiti

Port of Tahiti Photo: RNZI Walter Zweifel

Hundreds of port workers are set to go on strike in French Polynesia at midnight while talks have continued between the government and several unions threatening a general strike.

The strike in Papeete was called over nine grievances related to pay and work schedules as well as what the union calls unjustified sanctions.

Further talks have meanwhile been held between the government and several unions which threaten to launch a general strike 24 hours later.

The unions listed ten points to be addressed in response to massive job cuts and the loss of purchasing power since the great financial crisis.

Yesterday, talks between the president, Edouard Fritch, and about 30 union delegates were held at the presidency but no agreement was reached.

The government proposed setting up a committee to review social security provisions amid fears that the pension fund could become insolvent.

Reports say the unions are divided over how to respond to the offer.

Papeete, capital of French Polynesia

Papeete, capital of French Polynesia Photo: RNZI