Tongan Working Class Solidarity

Congratulations to the Tongan working class for realising how the function of Government is to be the servant of the business class. The strike by Tongan public servants has spread to wider protests. According to a reporter from Tonga, who spoke on National Radio's Tagata o te Moana programme last Saturday night, protestors are now targetting leaders of society whether they be from private businesses or the Government.

Tongan public servants are striking for pay rises of 60%, 70% and 80% (depending on the bands of salaries that various workers are in) after senior officials received huge pay increases. Some Tongans in New Zealand have been protesting in solidarity outside the temporary residence of the King of Tonga in Auckland. King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV is in Auckland for his granddaughter's engagement party.

Tempers have frayed at these protests. Some protestors are not only demanding a decent pay rise for public servants but are calling for the end of the monarchy in Tonga.

PPH