Teachers in Jonglei reject salary arrears as gov’t releases P8 exam results

JUBA – Teachers employed by the state education ministry in Jonglei State have refused to receive their two-months’ salary arrears over what they term ‘government interference’ in the payment process, Radio Tamazuj reports.

The week-long standoff started on July 5, as the teachers protest the establishment of a committee by the state secretary-general Gatwech Koak to oversee the payment process.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, John Bior, a representative of the protesting teachers to the state Workers’ Union, said they protested the government move because it was illegal.

“We are protesting because a state-general does not have authority to issue an administrative order; it could have been better if it were a Council of Ministers resolution which he signs,” he said. “Secondly, what we are to receive are salary arrears for March and April. If any committee is to be formed, then it should be from this July because it is the new financial year.”

Daniel Chol, the Jonglei Teachers’ Union secretary-general, said they will continue protesting until their demands are met.

“There is no need for this committee before the workforce of the defunct states are amalgamated because there will be no transparency and accountability in the process,” he said.

For his part, John Samuel Manyuon, the state information minister, said the standoff was being handled administratively.

“It is still administrative. And the education ministry and the teachers’ union are working to resolve it,” he said.