Striking teachers in Jonglei reject 50% bonus
October 22, 2014 (BOR) – Jonglei state employees, including striking teachers, will receive a 50 per cent housing allowance, according to the proposed 2014/15 budget.
Teachers in the government-controlled counties of Bor, Twic East and Duk told school children to remain at home as of Tuesday.
The Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), which has separate financing, is not taking part in the strike.
Sine then she schools gates have remain shut, with teachers demanding a 100 per cent housing allowance starting from January.
Jonglei’s minister of finance, Dhano Obongo, told MPs in Bor that the state government did not have enough resources to cover the costs of a 100 per cent housing allowance.
“The absence of local revenue collection means that we have to spend within our means to accommodate the core function of the state government,” said Obongo in a speech delivered to parliament on Wednesday.
Of the proposed 327,314,568 South Sudanese pound (SSP) budget, 40% is expected to go to the security and rule of law sectors, while 33% is allocated to health, education and agriculture.
Overall, 224 million SSP (or 69%) will be spent on salaries, 20 million SSP (6%) on operational costs and 16 million SSP (5%) for capital expenditure.
TEACHERS VOTE TO STRIKE
Although the fiscal year starts from 1 July, the Jonglei state assembly had only reopened in April after fierce battles broke out between government and rebel forces for control of state capital Bor, interrupting parliamentary proceedings and causing widespread devastation to the town.
Secondary and primary schools teachers in Bor, Twic East and Duk counties maintain the state government promised to pay housing allowances, equivalent to about half of the monthly salary of government employees, but failed to respect the pledge.
In a letter addressed to caretaker governor John Kong Nyuon and extended to Sudan Tribune, teachers rejected the offer of a 50% housing allowance, voting in favour of closing schools last week in protest.
“Teachers still maintain their position on these demands: 100% housing allowance to be included for salaries of January to October 2014 and double salary for the month of January,” the letter said in part.
Teachers say the request is in line with an announcement by president Kiir that all organised forces and line ministries be given bonuses and which has already been implemented in other states.
Teachers say they will not return to the classroom until the impasse is resolved.
(ST)