27 Apr 2010

Solomons unions still ponder strike over MPs pay hike

2:06 pm on 27 April 2010

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions says half its unions have approved a proposal to hold a national strike in protest at a pay rise for MPs.

The call to strike came after the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission approved an 11 percent pay rise for MPs, and boosted some of their funds and allowances.

The Council of Trade Unions says half of the 11 unions it represents have now received a mandate from their members for the strike.

Its national secretary Tony Kagovai says the council's unions will meet again tomorrow to see whether the other unions have received a mandate to enable the strike to go ahead.

He says their concerns remain despite the dissolution of parliament last week.

"It has a wider implication than just the increase of parliamentarians. For example if you look at the service provided for education and health and other services, its very poor, while politicians are serving themselves."

Tony Kagovai says the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission could still reverse the pay rise and funding boost for politicians.