Solomon Islands' unions consider strike action over MP pay rise

Trade union bodies in Solomon Islands are meeting to decide whether to hold a nationwide strike, to protest against pay increases for politicians.

Last week, the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission approved an 11 per cent salary increase for MPs, as well as a boost to their death benefits and transport and fuel allowances.

The Trade Union National Secretary, Tony Kagovai, says the pay increase is unjustified and selfish given the significant gap between the wages of politicians and the average worker in the Solomons.

He says the poor quality of social services to rural areas, reflect a government that does not care about its people.