Tonga's public servants, who have been on strike since July 22, rejected a new government pay offer on August 1, which fell well short of the 60-80% rises the workers are demanding. A further offer was also rejected on August 4, and on August 5 a large meeting was convened in a public park in Nukualofa, opposite the parliament. Doctors, nurses, dentists and hospital staff joined the thousands of strikers on July 5. The Public Service Association has called on Tongans living overseas to donate money to the campaign or help support family members who are on strike. A mass rally was called for August 8.
From Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly, August 10, 2005.
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