Warrap minister defends workers’ union suspension
April 29, 2013 (JUBA) – A minister in South Sudan’s Warrap state on Monday defended the suspension of the workers’ trade union, accusing its members of allegedly frustrating government work.
The move, came after the union opposed the Governor’s decision, calling for a one-day salary cut from all government employees to raise money for next month’s sports tournament, scheduled for Western Bahr el Ghazal state.
Members of the union, in a letter to Malek, argued that the tournament was a national event, and not a state affair, questioning why money was being raised through deduction of workers’ pay.
But in an interview with Sudan Tribune, Paul Dhel Gum, the Animal Resources and Fisheries minister, said the state Governor’s decision to impose a one-day salary cut from all civil servants was to enable the state realize funds to meet its obligations, in the wake of the current financial meltdown.
“We still have austerity measures in place and this has greatly affected our budget. In any case, a one-day pay from each employee working for government is even less than 1 South Sudanese Pound,” Gum said by phone from Warrap.
The minister described the workers’ body as an “illegal” entity, operating on the basis of a letter, which he claims came into existence after the country’s Vice President, Riek Machar wrote a letter in 2008, requesting its establishment.
“This worker’ trade union now operates more like a political organisation, rather than serving the interest for which it was formed. They are frustrating efforts by the government to develop the state,” Gum alleged.
Mabior Awikjok, the Secretary General of the union said Monday that their organisation was an independent body, adding that Governor “has no right to suspend our activities”.
Last week, South Sudan President, Salva Kiir urged the country’s lawmakers to expedite the passing of the Workers Trade Union Bill, among eight other laws.
“First, there are laws and Acts awaiting passage. Some have waited for far too long. This is a key part of your work as legislators, and the nation is depending on your best efforts,” Kiir said at the opening of the national assembly Tuesday.
(ST)