Having dragged on for three years the indigenous Russell Islanders and landowners want to see an end to the dispute.

Workers representative John Wane stated that over one thousand plantation workers and their families have been without employment for a long time. "We are calling on Government to assign a high level delegation to discuss possible solutions to the long standing dispute" Mr Wane said. "Our workers however have requested the exclusion from any talks the Company Director Patrick Wong and Company Manager, John Whiteside"

It is understood that the RIPEL strike was over demands by the workers for the removal of the General Manager, John Whiteside. The strike went ahead after Mr Whiteside refused to vacate his post as demanded by the workers. Copra shipments worth Millions have been held up due to the strike.