French Polynesia unions call for LTA head to be removed

6:30 am on 10 December 2018

Two striking unions in French Polynesia say they want a court to confirm that there is a conflict of interest in the running of the Land Transport Agency.

Papeete, capital of French Polynesia

Papeete - the capital of French Polynesia Photo: RNZI

Their strike is about to enter a second week, with them insisting that the agency's newly appointed head Florida Lai be removed from her post.

According to Radio 1, they claim that her hiring was an act of nepotism because her husband is the transport minister's chief of staff.

The minister has dismissed this, suggesting instead that one union leader is manipulating the strike because he had missed out on getting the agency's top job.

The unions said with 30 years of public service between the two, the couple earns about $US27,000 a month.

The unions said they want a court ruling on the legality of her hiring.

Shutting the agency, the strike has halted all driving tests.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs