SOUTH SUDAN: Maridi Health Institute Staff Boycott Work Over Salary Arrears

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan

Over 10 support staff members at Maridi Health Science Institute have gone on strike due to unpaid salaries, resulting in the administration barring them from accessing the school premises.

The Maridi County Executive Director, John Ezekiah Paul, confirmed that the workers on strike include cooks, cleaners, a driver, an administrative officer, and IT personnel.

These employees have not been paid for the past four months.

“I urge all staff to resolve this matter amicably, as a strike will not provide a solution,” Paul said.

“I questioned the institute about the unpaid salaries, and I was told that the funds come from students’ fees, which are deposited in the bank,” he added.

Institute Principal, Erneo Sabeko, acknowledged the strike began on Friday, forcing the administration to hire temporary workers to ensure the continuity of essential services.

“A meeting is scheduled for next week to discuss the way forward,” Sabeko noted.

He explained that the staff’s salaries from October to January had not been paid due to insufficient funds in the institute’s bank account.

Peter Lony, Deputy Principal and Academic Master, stated that while the administration has been in discussions with Eden Bank to resolve the issue, they have been unable to access the funds.

“The bank claims there is no money available. We have asked staff to provide their account details for direct payment, but they are insisting on receiving cash,” Lony explained.

The strike has disrupted normal operations at the institute, and there is uncertainty over when the issue will be resolved.

Isaac Luate, a driver, shared that the staff are demanding three months’ worth of salary and have yet to receive clear communication from the administration.

“We met with the management and presented our demands. The Dean told us that the institution is facing financial difficulties, but since we haven’t received a concrete response, we have suspended our duties until next week,” Luate said.

“The administration keeps saying there is no money in the bank.

“We just want to receive the salaries we are owed. Once we are paid, we will return to work as usual,” he added.

Justin Beko, another staff member, also emphasized the demand for three months’ salary arrears and an extension of their contracts for February.

“We need clarity on what is going on. There is no sign of resignation, but the Eden Bank agent is not helping us with the exchange rate of SSP390,000,” Beko said.

He urged the administration to resolve the issue quickly so that support staff can return to their duties.

“The school has told us not to report to work until this issue is resolved. They said no one should enter the premises on Monday,” Beko concluded.