22 Sep 2006

New Caledonia CSTNC union calls for general strike on Monday

4:18 pm on 22 September 2006

The Federation of New Caledonian Workers Union, or CSTNC, is calling for a general strike on Monday over a range of concerns.

The union says it wants cheaper living costs and petrol prices and its leader, Sylvian Nea, demands that all Filipino and other foreign workers leave the territory.

The union is also calling for a stop to the construction of the Goro Nickel project in the territory's south because of its environmental impact and for a go-ahead of the northern mining project aimed at developing theainly Kanak north.

But not all unions in the territory support Mr Nea's call for a general strike.

The Kanak USTKE union's representative, Pierre Chauvat, says the strike is ridiculous.

"It doesn't make sense. Mr Lafleur's new party is probably behind this CSTNC strike, so as to make a little bit more trouble, because CSTNC wants all the French people out, all the Australian, all the Polish, all the Filipinos that are working here, all strangers must leave the country. Well that are such ridiculous demands."

Pierre Chauvat