Four Tonga Power Ltd staff directly involved with a petition that allegedly threatened to turn off the power supply to the country, and called for a TPL staff strike on October 2, have been asked to take time off from work while investigations are conducted, according to management today.

Acting TPL CEO, Nikolasi Fonua told Matangi Tonga this afternoon that four staff are currently “on time off” and he could not comment further on the details of the petition (or the grievances) until their investigation was completed.

He confirmed that no strike took place on October 2.

"It is highly unlikely and very difficult that TPL staff would turn off the power supply to the country," he said.

Tonga Power Ltd. issued a press statement late on Friday evening, October 2, stating: “The public may be aware that a petition letter dated September 24 was circulated to staff listing five grievances against alleged decisions of the TPL Board of Directors.”

“The Board ihas taken proactive steps to counter this threat as such, and some of the staff directly involved have been asked to take time off from work whilst investigations are conducted. The board has taken note of the grievances and will be addressing them accordingly.”

The Board stated that it wished to engage with all stakeholders “and has such has directed the public is informed.”

Meanwhile, the petition has not been widely circulated. Tonga Power management has not released the petition.