29 Apr 2010

Solomons union ponder court action over MP pay hike

1:36 pm on 29 April 2010

The unions in Solomon Islands are now considering legal action or holding a demonstration as alternative methods of protest at an 11 percent pay rise for MPs.

The Council of Trade Unions has been considering strike action since the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission approved increases in MPs' pay, funds and allowances.

The council says about half its 11 unions have received a mandate to strike from the members.

But its national secretary Tony Kagovai says the unions should now decide tomorrow whether to strike, take the government and the Commission to court or to hold a peaceful demonstration.

"Most of them during those discussions they say this is not fair, this is not right, they are greedy. But they said we have to discuss with our executives and our members before we can put our foot down."

Tony Kagovai says they are also considering meeting the Government and the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission to discuss the issue.