19 Aug 2009

More talks in French Polynesia as strike underway

12:45 pm on 19 August 2009

More talks are scheduled in French Polynesia today as an unlimited strike by most unions got underway to protest against the high cost of living.

Hundreds of people have gathered at the assembly premises in Papeete after a march through the capital.

The action came after yesterdays' inconclusive talks between the main unions and the territory's government.

The strikers have called for action to stem the rise in unemployment amid calls for the state-approved price of petrol, gas and electricity to be lowered.

The publisher of the Tahiti-Pacifique monthly, Alex du Prel, says in some sectors. nobody has followed the strike call.

"People are not following it because the people who have a job they're just hanging on to it. It makes no sense to complain, especially if you are a public servant about your job or anything. And little people, they are just trying desperately to find some work, they have no time."

Alex du Prel