Protesters had planned to use felled trees and overturned cars on Tuesday to block traffic and call attention to soaring living costs.
But French police began clearing the largest barriers before dawn. Dozens of officers in riot gear stood guard in front of a base used by strikers outside Pointe-a-Pitre.
Unions want a 200 euro ($250) a month raise and they are negotiating with business owners and French officials.
The sister island of Martinique also is negotiating with protesters.
