Planned pension reform triggers Tahiti strike

7:53 pm on 19 September 2018

The port of Papeete on the island of Tahiti is expected to be worst hit by a general strike in French Polynesia, which is set to commence at midnight Tuesday 18 September local time.

Port of Tahiti

Port of Papeete Photo: RNZI Walter Zweifel

The strike was called by several unions in a bid to force the government to abandon its pension reform project due for debate in the assembly on Friday.

The unions say before the retirement age is raised to 62, there is a need to revise the social security system.

They say no marches will be held at the launch of the strike.

In the lead-up to the stoppage, the unions ceased discussions with the government which says the reform is vital to avoid the financial collapse of the pension system.

The reform was put on hold before the election in April after protesters forced their way into the assembly during another general strike.