21 Jan 2008

USTKE union hopes talks can settle New Caledonian Carsud conflict

4:08 pm on 21 January 2008

The New Caledonian Union for Kanak and Exploited Workers, or USTKE, is hopeful to start talks with a Carsud bus company representative today to end a protracted industrial dispute.

The USTKE unionists were striking for about a month at the site in a bid to have a sacked worker reinstated.

Last week, police dislodged some of those on strike from public land which led to widespread violence.

13 union members will appear in court tomorrow for their role in the clashes.

A union spokesperson, Pierre Chauvat, says he hopes the dispute will come to an end soon.

"Dialogue will start to resolve this conflict, because that's the only way that we can find a solution. They've already sent a person from France that arrived today, so a meeting should start with the USTKE."

Pierre Chauvat