Reports from New Caledonia say a demostration by the CSTNC union has caused disruptions in the capital, Noumea.
The union has had pickets in various towns in the territory all week and today hundreds of its members are marching to key government buildings.
The union alleges that the crisis in the nickel sector is poorly managed, calling for more support for the SLN smelter which is faced with massive losses.
The French government has undertaken to support the territory's nickel industry as it is traditional engine of the territory's economy.
SLN is a subsidiary of the French Eramet concern.
Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades