French Polynesia: Unionized bus drivers' strike in Moorea and Tahiti islands ongoing as of Sept. 6 /update 2

Bus drivers represented by the Federation of Public Transport Unions of Polynesia (Rassemblements des syndicats de transport en commun de Polynesie, FRSTCP) are holding an indefinite work stoppage in Moorea and Tahiti islands as of Sept. 6. The strike, which started Sept. 3, is impacting public and school bus services from five transport companies. Organizers are demanding better safeguards such as chaperones in school buses and legal support to address recent assaults of drivers. An earlier withdrawal of the strike plan was reversed due to continual failures in negotiations with officials. The action may be called off at short notice if talks succeed.

Affected firms include Warren Transports in Moorea, Reseau de transport urbain (RTU), Reseau de Transport en commun de Tahiti (RTCT), Transport collectif cote Ouest (TTCO), and Nouveaux Transporteurs de la Cote Est (NTCE) in Tahiti. Officials stated they will use non-striking staff to maintain essential and peak-hour services. Until bus services normalize, an increased demand for alternative transport services is likely.

Strike participants have staged peaceful demonstrations outside the Assembly of French Polynesia building in Papeete. Additional demonstrations, which could draw up to a few hundred participants, remain likely. Potential gathering sites include transportation hubs, offices, public squares, and major thoroughfares. Authorities may deploy additional security to monitor any protests that materialize. Minor clashes between activists and police are possible.