Strikes at Air Tahiti and Somstat escalate as unions accuse management of labor law violations and foreign worker exploitation, with court action looming.
Strikes move to legal action
The ongoing strikes at Air Tahiti and Somstat are escalating as both unions prepare to take their disputes to court. Air Tahiti has acknowledged that Air New Zealand and Air France are bringing in foreign ground staff to replace the striking workers, a move that has drawn criticism from the union.Accusations of government inaction
The CSIP, a labor organization, is accusing the government of ignoring the issue of foreign workers being used to replace striking personnel. The union claims that the State is not enforcing labor laws and is allowing this practice to continue.Alleged labor law violations at Somstat
At Somstat, the union is alleging that management is violating labor laws by requiring employees to work seven days a week. This is against the regulations that limit the number of working days per week and the use of temporary workers to replace striking staff.Negotiations described as ineffective
Cyril Le Gayic of the CSIP says that negotiations between management and unions are not making progress. He describes the talks as a "deaf dialogue," where management either mocks the striking workers or tries to cut off air transport to the islands.Some progress on specific issues
Titaina Viriamu, general secretary of the Spencat union, acknowledges that some points have been reduced in negotiations, such as those concerning cleaning staff. She also notes that workers have finally received a service vehicle, though they are still waiting for access passes and insurance to use it.Management seeks flexibility in schedules
Viriamu mentions that management has requested "flexibility," particularly in work schedules. She recalls a previous strike in 2016 where workers fought for more stability in their schedules to balance work and family life, and now management is trying to undo those gains.Concerns over foreign workers and legal violations
Cyril Le Gayic has accused Air Tahiti of violating labor laws by bringing in foreign ground staff from New Zealand and France. He claims that Air New Zealand was allowed to work on its own planes despite the prohibition on foreign workers, and he has photographic evidence to support these claims.State and airport authority responsibility
Le Gayic emphasizes that the State is responsible for the airport platform and must ensure that workers have proper work permits. He also criticizes the Tahiti Airport (ADT) for not checking whether foreign workers have the necessary permits to access the tarmac.Similar issues at Somstat
At Somstat, Le Gayic says the situation is similar, with a "deaf dialogue" between management and the union. He claims that management is avoiding responding to the union's demands and has allegedly colluded with Air Tahiti to avoid addressing the issues.Work hour violations and safety concerns
Le Gayic highlights that employees at Somstat are working 56 hours per week, which exceeds the legal limit of 48 hours. He raises concerns about safety, asking who would be held responsible if an accident occurs, and criticizes management for not taking responsibility for the workers' safety.
