22 July 2005: Tonga civil servants strike

22 July 2005: Tonga civil servants strike

Published: July 22, 2026

Duration: 1:02

On this day, 22 July 2005, civil servants in the Kingdom of Tonga went on strike for 60-90% pay rise. The strike shut down the government and grew to include many other public sector employees and ending up being the most significant challenge to the island's monarchy in its history. The striking workers won their pay rise and forced the government to begin reforming itself. 
More information, sources and map: https://stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/9488/civil-servants-in-tonga-strike

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