The Guardian 31 August, 2005
Striking Tongans set to win rise
Tongan royalty appears to be acceding to demands by striking civil servants following a meeting between the Tongan Princess Regent, HM Pilolevu, and workers in Nuku’alofa, last week. The Princess, acting Regent for the South Pacific Monarchy in the absence of the King and her brother, took the strikers’ demands directly to the Tongan Privy Council last Saturday.
The move that could see pay increases of up to 80 percent.
"She was asked to please assist with our plea for an increase in salary", said a statement issued by the Tongan Public Service Association (TPSA). "She replied with words of encouragement urging us not to give up hope as she will do her best to meet our needs.
"It was an emotional moment for us as we responded in kind by singing the national anthem."
Reports from Tonga last week indicated overwhelming public support for the strikers, who have been out for more than six weeks over a raft of industrial and political issues.
The strike has seen tensions over democratic reform inflamed in the island monarchy, where executive government authority is held by the royal family.
Civil servants are asking for pay rises of 60, 70 and 80 percent to bring incomes up to a living wage, with lowest paid workers set to receive the highest increases.
"There is very broad public support for the striking workers", said New Zealand Council of Trade Unions secretary, Ross Wilson, in Tonga as part of a delegation of New Zealand government officials and unions. They are accompanying retired employment court judge Tom Goddard, who is assisting the parties set up processes to mediate the dispute.
Meanwhile, pro-democracy MP, Akilisi Pohiva, says the strike shows a need for political and, possibly, constitutional changes.
There have also been protests outside the home of King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV in Auckland, where he is receiving medical treatment.
The Tongan government has sought assistance from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to deal with the strike.
While a New Zealand mediator flew to Nuku’alofa yesterday, Australia and Tonga have yet to agree on what help Canberra can provide.
"We are watching the law and order situation closely", a spokeswoman for Alexander Downer said.