10 Nov 2006

New Caledonia's RFO says no editorial policy change in strike settlement

4:18 pm on 10 November 2006

The public broadcaster in New Caledonia says the agreement signed with the USTKE union to end a seven-month long strike action, doesn't include a change in editorial policy.

The strike was to win the re-instatement of a sacked technician, Rock Haocas.

RFO's manager, Benoit Saudeau, says the two parties signed an agreement this week accepting that Mr Haocas be sent to France to be employed and receive additional training there for several months.

On return to New Caledonia, he will work outside the media business.

The union says the deal also includes a change of RFO's editorial policy.

But Mr Saudeau dismisses the claims.

"We did not sign anything about our editorial policy we would change. The union claimed for a better way of explaining social and political positions. That's all. And I said that we try to do our best. [But] we are not political agents for anybody."

RFO manager, Benoit Saudeau.