Non-teaching Staff at Rumbek University Strike over delayed salaries

By Jenifer James

The chairperson of the non-academic staff at Rumbek University, Dut Majok Kuruai, has confirmed that staff members have gone on strike, demanding payment of their salaries for the past ten months.

 This group includes essential personnel such as cleaners, cooks, and administrative staff, who play a crucial role in the university’s daily operations.

“We are simply waiting for our ten months’ salary. If the government pays us, we will return to work because we are dedicated to our jobs. Our demand is straightforward, we need the ten months’ salary,” said Majok in an interview with the Dawn on Monday.

Majok explained that the decision to go on strike was reached during a general assembly meeting held last week.

The assembly underscored the urgent need for the government to fulfill its financial obligations, as many staff members are struggling to support their families amid the current financial crisis.

Majok clarified that while Rumbek University is situated within Lakes State, the non-academic staff are part of the national employment system.

This development reflects widespread frustration not only at Rumbek University but across the civil service in the country.

 Many public servants, including teachers and healthcare workers, have expressed similar grievances regarding unpaid salaries. The strike at Rumbek University could serve as a catalyst for broader protests if their demands are not met promptly.

Majok said that if the government addresses their payment issues within this week, the staff would be ready to resume their duties immediately. “As soon as we receive our payment, we will return to work. However, without our salaries, we cannot continue,” he said.

In August, the Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater assured civil servants and members of the organized forces that they would receive their overdue payments in three-month installments. However, despite these promises, the reality remains grim, as many have not received salaries.

This situation raises concerns about the government’s ability to fulfill its financial responsibilities, leaving civil servants and security personnel feeling increasingly disillusioned.

As the strike at Rumbek University unfolds, hope remains that it will prompt action and lead to a resolution for all affected employees.