NOUMEA (Pacnews) — A one-day strike by New Caledonia’s USTKE union has hit the ports and forced the cancellation of all domestic flights.
The strike is in protest against the high cost of living and is part of a range of industrial action.
Noumea’s domestic airport was closed to all scheduled flights while security forces were deployed at the international airport north of the city.
Some offices in the city are also being picketed by the USTKE union members whose ongoing blockade of the monopoly cement producer has caused a shortage affecting many construction sites.
The strike coincided with a visit to New Caledonia by the French minister of Overseas territories, Christian Estrosi.