27 Jul 2005

Striking public servants in Tonga await government reply

3:27 pm on 27 July 2005

Protesting public servants in Tonga are calling on Cabinet to announce before the end of the day that it will give all public servants hefty wage rises.

Several thousand public servants are on strike, with some rallying in front of the Parliament today.

The strike began last week after workers became angry over large rises paid to only senior public servants..

They have subsequently called for all workers to be paid up to 80 percent more.

The workers also want an assurance that no strikers will be punished for taking the action.

Their resolution has been endorsed by the People's Representatives and the Nobles, but the government is yet to comment.