In the document seen by the Jubamirrror News Desk, following the meeting held on Friday, 19th, 2024, which included representatives from various schools within the University of Juba, a crucial decision has been made regarding our collective response to the ongoing salary delays. Out of 62 teaching staff members, 56 have unanimously voted to take the following actions: demand full payment of eight months of unpaid salaries from the Ministry of Finance, require full payment of all pending allowances, including airfare costs, and cease all work activities starting July 26th, 2024, if payments are not received.
We fully comprehend the severe economic challenges facing our country; however, it is unsustainable for us to continue teaching voluntarily for nearly nine months without compensation. Already, 30% of lecturers have been affected as they struggle to afford transportation costs to the University.
The Dean’s Board meetings have continually been influenced by the Vice Chancellor, who has instructed staff not to discuss salary issues. Additionally, the teaching staff has been systematically marginalized over the past few years due to the absence of a functional Staff Union.
Given these circumstances, the teaching staff representatives from various schools at the University of Juba have resolved to cease work on July 26th, 2024, if our salaries remain unpaid. We will automatically resume our normal duties once the salaries are deposited into the staff accounts. If payment is not made by July 26th, 2024, all University of Juba staff will remain at home. The Vice Chancellor and two of his deputies will continue their work as they receive weekly allowances and have access to transportation. We are not robots; even robots require electricity and maintenance to perform efficiently.
