Jonglei teachers refuse to call off strike
October 25, 2014 (BOR) – Teachers in South Sudan’s Jonglei state vowed on Saturday to prolong their sitting-down strike, until authorities address their grievances.
According to lawmakers, the budget proposal for fiscal year 2014/2015, now before parliament, pledges a 50% housing allowances for all government workers, including teachers.
“We are begging you [teachers] to be patient,” Peter Deng Aguer, the speaker of the state assembly said during Saturday’s meeting.
“A 50% [housing] allowance is being considered by parliament and as a matter of fact, you will get it,” he told about 200 primary and secondary school teachers present at the meeting.
Schools were shut down on Tuesday after teachers failed to agree with government over allowances meant to top up monthly wages ranging from 280-350 South Sudanese Pounds for a primary teacher.
A secondary school teacher receives between 700 and 800 South Sudanese Pound, but many say the amount cannot sustain them for a month given the surging food prices within the local markets.
“It is not enough to cater for our needs if you compare [that monthly pay] to the market prices,” said a teacher at the heated meeting.
“We will not open schools if our needs are not fulfilled,” he added.
Rev. Reuben Akurdit Ngong, the bishop of Bor diocese said he only read about the teachers’ strike in newspapers and was very concerned about the future of children being denied education.
“The future of these children is in your hand,” said the bishop.
“I will not say serve your country because you will ask me [that] who is our country?’ So I will say serve your children,” he added.
Alier Kulang, a primary school teacher, said they had been patient enough and they could not hold their patience any longer.
“We did not expect you [teachers] to agree [on] reopening the schools today but we will continue to dialogue,” Agot Alier Leek, the commissioner of Bor county told those at the meeting.
The striking teachers also demanded that the 50% housing allowances allocation in the proposed budget be put into actions.
“The great issues of the day will not be solved by meetings and speeches. We need actions to address our grievances,” John Mabil, another teacher quipped.
“We are very sorry to say this [but] we shall not open schools until this issues are resolved,” assured another.
This is the third teachers’ strike in Jonglei state since the 2005 peace was signed.
In September 2007, teacher held a peaceful demonstration after the state ministry of education deduced 25% of the salary. The money was consequently reinstated.
In January 2011, schools were closed for weeks after other state workers, excluding teachers, were paid allowances that doubled their pay. The government later withdrew the entire allowance.
(ST)