France/New Caledonia

Protesters reach agreement to end dispute

Article published on the 2009-08-06 Latest update 2009-08-06 09:20 TU

Demonstrators from the USTKE union pictured outside Nouméa on 5 August, 2009
(Photo : AFP/Jacquotte Samperez)

An agreement has been reached between the USTKE trade union and the Aircal airline in New Caledonia, bringing to end a months-long dispute that led to violent protests over the past week.

The problems in the French territory in the Pacific Ocean began when an employee at the airline was fired.

Over the past week the dispute escalated, leading to regular clashes between USTKE members and police.

Protesters set up barricades along roads and more than 30 police officers were injured, including one who was shot on Wednesday.

An accord between the USTKE and Aircal management was signed on Wednesday, after France decided to send 70 extra police officers to bolster security.

The president of the USTKE, Gérard Jodar, who was arrested and accused of impeding air traffic during a protest in May, remains in custody.

The dispute is one of several to hit overseas French territories and departments this year.