French Polynesian president agrees to meet with unions

3:43 pm on 11 January 2018

The French Polynesian president Edouard Fritch has agreed to meet a union delegation after threats of protests and blockades.

Edouard Fritch addresses the UN decolonisation debate

Edouard Fritch Photo: supplied / French Polynesian Presidency

The threats are from a union umbrella group alarmed at proposed changes to the consultative body, the Social and Economic Council.

It is also concerned at planned labour law changes, which it wants to raise with the government.

Mr Fritch said he would meet the unions next week once he returns from an outer island visit.

The threat of a blockade came as plans are being finalised for the visit later this month of the French overseas minister Annick Girardin.

Public sector finances are also under stress, prompting a push to raise the retirement age.

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