French Polynesia: Unionized bus drivers' strike to affect public and school buses in Moorea and Tahiti islands from 00:01 Aug. 29

Bus drivers represented by the Federation of Public Transport Unions of Polynesia (Rassemblements des syndicats de transport en commun de Polynésie, FRSTCP) are planning an indefinite work stoppage in Moorea and Tahiti islands from 00:01 Aug. 29. The aim of the labor action is over several demands, in particular a collective agreement. The strike will impact public and school bus services from five transport companies, namely Warren Transports in Moorea, and Réseau de transport urbain (RTU), Réseau de Transport en commun de Tahiti (RTCT), Transport collectif côte Ouest (TTCO), and Nouveaux Transporteurs de la Côte Est (NTCE) in Tahiti. Workers may withdraw the action at short notice if negotiations succeed.

Although there have been no immediate announcements of gatherings, strike participants may stage demonstrations during the labor action and could draw dozens to hundreds of participants. Potential gathering sites include transportation hubs, offices, public squares, and major thoroughfares. Authorities could deploy additional security to monitor protests that materialize. Officials could use force to disperse overly unruly crowds. Clashes between activists and police cannot be ruled out. Increased employee absenteeism is possible if employees have difficulties in reaching workplaces, or cannot arrange alternative transport for children affected by the strike.