11 Nov 2005

New Caledonia employers worried about social climate

2:42 pm on 11 November 2005

The Employers Federation in New Caledonia has expressed its disquiet about the social climate in the territory.

Its president, Jean-Yves Bouvier, says the situation has become a major obstacle for the development of businesses.

In a statement, the organisation says because of strikes, more than 22,000 working days were lost last year which is almost three times more than the year before.

And it says this year's figures are set to be even higher.

This comes amid protracted strikes and blockades that have hampered production at the SLN nickel smelter.

The dispute is centred on the dismissal of two employees.

A major hotel in Noumea has been affected by blockades by the same union to show its opposition to dismissals.