An indefinite strike in New Caledonia has affected parts of the capital, Noumea, in an action launched over a dispute with the mining company, SLN.
In a protest to seek the reinstatement of two sacked workers, a union umbrella group blocked several roads yesterday that caused major traffic problems.
The union leader, Sylvain Nea, says they will remain on strike until the two are being rehired.
SLN says its smelter is being faced by what it calls a critical situation.
Last week, a court in Noumea ruled that the blockades which have intermittently hampered SLN in recent weeks have to be lifted.
It ruled that for each day the blockade is upheld the union is to pay 1,000 US dollars.