An indefinite strike at New Caledonia's nickel company, SLN, is
entering its third day amid SLN's warning that the situation at its
smelter has become dramatic.
Dozens of workers have blockaded the SLN plant in Noumea in a bid to
get two sacked workers reinstated, causing massive traffic
disruptions in the city for a second day.
The unionised workers have also rallied in their hundreds outside the
offices of SLN which has warned that its ore supplies will last no
more than ten days before the furnaces will have to be turned off.
Production losses this month alone amount to 3,000 tonnes.
The government has appealed to the wisdom and sense of responsibility
of every individual to negotiate a solution to the social conflicts.
Last week, a court ordered the union to lift their blockades but this
has been ignored.
