TONGA: Public servants demand pay rises

August 3, 2005
Issue 
636

On July 25, public servants rejected the acting prime minister's call to return to work, as the fourth day of their strike brought many government agencies to a standstill. Two-thousand workers marched to parliament in Nukualofa to present a letter addressed to the prime minister, demanding pay rises of up to 80%. On July 26, public schools shut down as 1400 teachers joined the strike. Noble MPs joined with the people's representatives in Tonga's parliament on July 27 to vote to order the government to grant the public servants' demands. On July 28, the prime minister rejected an independently mediated compromise that would have meant an immediate return to work by public servants.

From Green Left Weekly, August 3, 2005.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.