Strike notice submitted

The CSTP-FO union has informed three shipping companies—Cotada, Cowan, and Sat Nui—in the Fenua area that a strike could begin on October 20 at midnight if no resolution is reached. The potential strike is linked to concerns about 370 jobs in the region’s shipping sector.

Call for applications sparks concern

The union is worried about a call for applications launched in August 2023 for private companies to renew authorizations to operate at the Port of Pape'ete. These authorizations, valid for 15 years starting in November 2027, are open to international firms and must be submitted by November 6.

Union demands include safety and pay

Patrick Galenon, the general secretary of the CSTP-FO union, stated the union seeks to protect local jobs, especially for dockworkers. He said the companies’ leaders have not addressed demands for better wages and improved safety conditions at the port, citing a fire in August 2023 as a sign of the risks workers face.

Risk of foreign companies and job losses

Galenon warned that large international shipping firms like MSC, CGM, and Evergreen might set up operations in the Fenua area, potentially leading to the construction of large terminals and job losses. He questioned whether a previous informal agreement between dockworkers and the union remains in place, saying the union might strike if it is not.

Healthcare crisis in remote islands

Galenon also raised concerns about the healthcare system, noting that some islands lack doctors or clinics, creating a "catastrophic" situation. He criticized the system for failing to attract and retain healthcare workers in remote areas despite available funding, leading to preventable deaths.