15 Jun 2009

New Caledonia's domestic airline still to sign deal with unions

10:17 am on 15 June 2009

The management of New Caledonia's domestic airline has so far refused to sign a deal which last Thursday ended a prolonged strike by the Kanak USTKE union.

After meeting mediators, the union called off its action at Air Caledonie although no details of the settlement have been released.

The airline was not at the talks but the union says the dispute is now settled.

As the strike was widened a week ago, Air Caledonie continued to refuse to negotiate pay for the days workers were on an earlier strike.

According to local press reports, the airline says it will await this week's judicial aftermath of last month's disturbances at Noumea's domestic airport, expecting that the union leader, Gerard Jodar, will be jailed.

Air Caledonie says once that has happened, talks with other USTKE delegates will start.