Teachers in the Solomon Islands are considering the possibility of strikes in the New Year if their sea fare allowances are not paid in full by the end of the week.
The government and the Honiara City Council are obligated to pay teachers fares to enable them to return to their villages for the school holidays.
The government has paid most of its half of the 195,000 US dollars required, but the city council is yet to pay its half.
The Solomon Star reports that teachers vented their anger on Tuesday outside the Council office, complaining that the government and council do not value the hard work of teachers.
The general secretary of the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association, Johnley Hatimoana, says it's disappointing because the problem is not new.
"This has been going on for the last 8, 9 years. It is really frustrating. It boils down again to the decision taken by these politicians who did not address this issue amicably. They did not look at the issue in a serious manner."
Johnley Hatimoana says he is hoping to resolve the situation by Friday, but the possibility of strikes could be put to a vote if they are not paid in time.
