Air-traffic technicians and tower controllers employed by France’s civil-aviation directorate (DGAC/SEAC) in Papeete have voted to continue an open-ended strike that began on 1 January after mediation talks collapsed for a third time. The USAC-CGT union says staffing levels remain “dangerously low” to manage both international wide-body arrivals and an expanding inter-island turboprop network.
Operational picture. While minimum-service laws cap the impact, airlines report rolling delays of 30-90 minutes at Tahiti–Faa’a and occasional cancellations to Moorea and Bora-Bora. Air Tahiti Nui has consolidated some Los Angeles and Auckland frequencies; Air France rerouted crew lay-overs to avoid exceeding duty hours. Cargo operators moving marine-spare parts and perishable fish exports have flagged potential spoilage risks if the dispute drags on.
![French Polynesia Air-Traffic Staff Extend Strike, Delaying Tahiti Flights]()
Employer vs. union. Management is offering a phased recruitment of six additional controllers this year plus a one-off €1 000 hardship bonus; the union wants 12 hires and an immediate 10 % allowance for night shifts.
Why it matters for mobility managers. French Polynesia is classed as an “overseas country” of France; thus Paris-based mobility programmes covering Outre-mer staff must plan for extended journey times, re-validated work-permits for crew under the ‘Passeport Talent—Mission’ category, and possible accommodation overruns for assignees relocating to tourism projects in Bora-Bora.
Next steps. The territorial government has urged both sides to accept binding arbitration but USAC-CGT signalled fresh strike notices could hit the February school-holiday peaks.
Operational picture. While minimum-service laws cap the impact, airlines report rolling delays of 30-90 minutes at Tahiti–Faa’a and occasional cancellations to Moorea and Bora-Bora. Air Tahiti Nui has consolidated some Los Angeles and Auckland frequencies; Air France rerouted crew lay-overs to avoid exceeding duty hours. Cargo operators moving marine-spare parts and perishable fish exports have flagged potential spoilage risks if the dispute drags on.
Employer vs. union. Management is offering a phased recruitment of six additional controllers this year plus a one-off €1 000 hardship bonus; the union wants 12 hires and an immediate 10 % allowance for night shifts.
Why it matters for mobility managers. French Polynesia is classed as an “overseas country” of France; thus Paris-based mobility programmes covering Outre-mer staff must plan for extended journey times, re-validated work-permits for crew under the ‘Passeport Talent—Mission’ category, and possible accommodation overruns for assignees relocating to tourism projects in Bora-Bora.
Next steps. The territorial government has urged both sides to accept binding arbitration but USAC-CGT signalled fresh strike notices could hit the February school-holiday peaks.
Source: StrikeTracker
