8 Aug 2005

Tonga's royal palace sees largest demonstration ever

1:47 pm on 8 August 2005

Latest reports from Tonga say this morning's march saw about 10,000 people march to the Royal Palace in the kingdom's biggest protest rally ever.

Thousands of striking public servants have begun lobbying the king over their pay demands.

The government workers have been on strike for more than two weeks to call for an increase in pay.

The Interim-Public Servants Association has rejected government offers of up to 30 percent increases and have demanded rises of up to 80 percent.

Organisers hope the King will over-rule the Cabinet and look more favourably on the civil servants demands.

Latest reports from Tonga say this morning's march say up to ten thousand took part in the march to the Palace