A number of New Caledonian unions have distanced themselves from calls for a general strike on Thursday.
The head of the union umbrella group, Didier Guenant-Jeanson, had said the unions would rally across the territory to ensure Congress passes a fiscal reform package aimed at lowering the cost of living.
Employees have rallied against tax reform in New Caledonia Photo: AFP
However, three unions have now backed off the protest plan, supporting a split of the reform package.
Earlier this month, about 1,000 people in Noumea heeded a call by the Employers Federation to protest against the competition segment of the reform because it would set a ceiling on the margin that can be charged.
The government's plan is to do away with a large number of import duties and replace them with a consumption tax.
Mr Guenant-Jeanson said he is opposed to a splitting the reform package.