South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The legal dispute between former employees of UAP Insurance and the company continued in court yesterday, featuring a cross-examination of UAP’s Managing Director. The focus was on allegations of unfair termination and a contentious loan.
Speaking to the media on Friday, defense lawyer Marko Reech Chan, representing the former employees, said that the session centered on questioning UAP’s Managing Director about the circumstances surrounding the terminations and the related financial arrangements.
“We proceeded with the cross-examination of the company’s MD, and he confirmed several issues related to unfair termination,” Chan said. “He acknowledged that UAP had paid six months’ compensation for the terminations, which they admit were unfair.”
However, complications arose regarding a loan allegedly given to three former employees. The defense argued there were inconsistencies in the loan’s currency and calculations.
“The MD initially presented the loan in U.S. dollars but later reversed his statement, claiming it was actually in pounds,” Marko noted. “Due to this contradiction, the court asked both parties to clarify the loan details and present accurate calculations.”
According to Marko, while his legal team had already submitted their calculations, UAP’s legal team failed to provide theirs. Consequently, the court adjourned the case to May 15, when both sides are expected to present their respective figures for comparison.
“If we still disagree at that point, the court itself will calculate the figures,” Marko added.
Marko confirmed that the issue of alleged workplace discrimination remains unresolved, although it was not addressed in today’s session.
“We haven’t yet dealt with the discrimination claims,” Marko said. “We’re taking this step by step, first confirming the employment contracts and establishing the unfair terminations. After that, we will address the discrimination issue, which we believe is evident through the targeting of association leaders.”
The court will reconvene on May 15 to review the financial calculations and further examine the unresolved loan and discrimination allegations.
This legal battle arises from a strike that took place in September 2023, involving 57 national staff members of UAP Insurance. The employees went on strike, protesting what they called an unfair working environment. In retaliation, UAP management terminated the leaders of the National Staff Association, which led to the current court case.
The Ministry of Labour intervened, issuing directives for UAP to reinstate the dismissed employees and implement salary increases. However, UAP management has yet to comply with these directives, prompting the former staff to seek legal action.
