Juba University staff association calls off strike

Lecturers at the University of Juba have called off their week-long strike after the national assembly instructed the ministry of finance to remit funds for the payment of their arrears and allowances.

The lecturers initiated the strike after failing to agree with the ministry of education on allowances.

On Saturday, the parliament told the ministry of education to ensure that the lecturers get paid for the over 14-months arrears and reinstate their allowances.

Addressing journalists today, the Secretary General of the University Staff Association, Professor Leonzio Onek said that the assembly had convinced them to resume work from today.

However, he warned that lecturers would resume the strike if they are not paid by the end of this month:

“And this time round, it will not be good because we have lost the trust.

“We are building the trust at the moment and that is why we have decided to support the government by declaring lifting of this strike.

“But if it is delayed or for some reasons it is not implemented, then we will move very swiftly to reinstate the strike.”

Prof Onek said they want the salaries of the lecturers to be the same with those teaching in other regions to avoid lecturers leaving the University.