11 Jun 2009

USTKE union suspends New Caledonia strike

1:33 pm on 11 June 2009

New Caledonia's mainly Kanak USTKE union has suspended its general strike as a mediation bid is to be considered this afternoon.

The union has been locked in a dispute with the domestic airline, Air Caledonie, which so far has refused to negotiate pay for the days workers were on strike.

According to local radio, the authorities are expected to receive the USTKE leader, Gerard Jodar, to see if he agrees to the proposed terms of a settlement.

The suspension of the stoppage came after three days of disruptions, with petrol stations in Noumea running out of fuel.

There were numerous police interventions to secure access to schools and installations, such as the public broadcaster.