8 Aug 2005

Public servants in Tonga plan to march today over pay claim

8:12 am on 8 August 2005

More than three thousand Public Servants in Tonga are entering the third week of a strike over pay.

A march to present their appeals to the King is due to be held today.

The interim Public Service Association says money that has been donated to the group since striking began will be used to start a more permanent association.

The group has received donations of more than 20-thousand US dollars since the strike began.

Some money has been given to striking workers to help support their families.

However interim-PSA secretary, Vuna Fa'otusia, says it will also be used for the future.

"We set up pavillions, halls for meetings, but then after that it will be a starting capital for an association, a Public Service Association."