New Caledonian Radio & TV Still Paralysed

New Caledonian Radio & TV Still Paralysed

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RFO RADIO, TELEVISION STILL PARALYSED

NOUMEA, February 20 (Oceania Flash/SPC) - A union blockade of New
Caledonia's radio and television RFO station is still causing the French
territory to be left without its two television and one radio channels,
daily newspaper Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes reports on Monday.

The strike, staged by USTKE (Kanak and Exploited workers Union), started
on
Thursday midnight by way of pickets barring access to all technicians
and
journalists.

USTKE claims they do not have enough equipment to produce more local
programs.

They also reiterate their claim that all key positions within the
station
should be filled with locals, as opposed to metropolitan French.

Other claims include airfares to France every third year.

On Friday night, however, USTKE says it has had a two-hour telephone
conversation with Paris-based RFO Chairman, André-Michel Besse.

"He told us he would rule on the matter at the beginning of this week.
But
we have decided to maintain the pressure until he provides us with this
reply", a USTKE member said.

After four days of blockade, real negotiations were expected to start on

Monday evening.

RFO (Réseau France Outremer) is France's television and radio network for overseas territories and departments.

Meanwhile, other sectors in New Caledonia (mining, education and air transport) are also showing signs of possible industrial action.

+++niuswire

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