Mediation talks led by retired New Zealand judge Tom Goddard are due to take place this morning but the Tongan Public Servants Association looks set to boycott the meeting.
The union, representing 3000 workers, is demanding that a pay increase of up to 80 per cent be instituted before talks get underway.
Our correspondent in Tonga, Mateni Tapueluelu says unless Princess Pilolevu, carries through with an earlier promise to help the workers, the situation could deteriorate.
