NOUMEA, New Caledonia — On Thursday, New Caledonian police had to forcibly remove activists from barring the entry to more than two dozen businesses. The pro-independence union members were protesting their right to strike after several members were punished for aiding prior work stoppages.

The protest stems from a clash in January between union members representing New Caledonia’s indigenous Kanak population, USTKE, and police. USTKE members had refused to leave an area of publically owned land next to the bus depot. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up the strike. Roughly 30 people, including police officers, were injured in the scuffle. Union members involved may face jail sentences for their participation.

Thursday’s strike affected some 2,000 workers. Employers are denouncing the strike, claiming the protesters had been involved in illegal industrial action. Strikers firmly hold, however, that the ability to strike is a constitutional right. One protester argued that New Caledonians are still French citizens, and should, thus, be allowed to hold organized strikes.

USTKE has organized about 10 general strikes this year alone. 

For more information, please see:
ABC News: Australia — New Caledonian police forcibly remove striking workers — 11 April 2008

Radio New Zealand International — USTKE strike shuts down New Caledonia businesses — 10 April 2008

Radio New Zealand International — New Caledonia union action broken up by police — 10 April 2008