Staff at the Rumbek University of Science and Technology Goes on Strike

The Rumbek University of Science and Technology, a renowned institution committed to fostering excellence in education, is currently facing a significant challenge as its dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff have taken a decisive step in asserting their rights. On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, the staff members officially declared their industrial action, highlighting two pressing issues that have been a cause of concern for the university community.

Firstly, the staff are demanding the settlement of their five-month salary arrears, which have remained unpaid despite repeated assurances from the government of South Sudan. This financial burden has not only caused immense distress among the staff members but has also affected their ability to meet their basic needs and provide for their families. Consequently, the industrial action serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for the government to address this critical issue promptly.

Additionally, the staff are seeking reimbursement for flight tickets dating back to 2019. As part of their professional obligations, many staff members have been using their own money to cover costs related to university travel. However, the government has failed to fulfill its commitment to cover the costs of these flights, thereby placing an undue financial burden on the staff. By demanding reimbursement for the flight tickets spanning over the past four years, the staff are calling for fair treatment and a resolution to this long-standing issue.

The industrial action taken by the teaching and non-teaching staff at the Rumbek University of Science and Technology underscores their determination to address these grievances and ensure a fair and equitable working environment. As the strike continues, it is imperative for the government to engage in constructive dialogue with the staff, seeking a viable solution that upholds the welfare of the entire university community and preserves its reputation as a center of excellence in education.

The acting chairperson of the university’s academic staff, Khot Manyuon, has boldly declared that the members of the academic staff will not return to work until their demands are adequately addressed. With unwavering determination, Manyuon emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the strike action is a last resort to draw attention to the pressing issues faced by the staff at Rumbek University of Science and Technology.

“We need all salaries for five months plus ticket allowances from 2019 to date, so we have a lot of arrears that actually need to be paid.” This statement resonates with the frustrations and financial burdens that the staff members have been grappling with for an extended period of time.

The dedicated professionals who form the backbone of the university have tirelessly contributed to the institution’s growth and success. However, the prolonged delay in receiving their rightful compensation has left them in a state of uncertainty and financial strain. The accumulation of five months’ worth of unpaid salaries, coupled with the outstanding ticket allowances from 2019 until now, has created an overwhelming burden for the staff, making it increasingly difficult for them to meet their personal and professional obligations.

It is important to note that the decision to strike was not taken lightly by the staff members. They have exhausted all other avenues of communication and negotiation, hoping for a resolution that would address their legitimate concerns. Unfortunately, their appeals have fallen on deaf ears, leaving them with no choice but to take this drastic action.

The strike serves as a powerful reminder that the welfare and fair treatment of university staff should be given utmost priority. It is crucial for the university administration, as well as relevant authorities, to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and take immediate steps to rectify the ongoing financial crisis. Failure to do so not only undermines the hard work and dedication of the staff but also jeopardizes the overall functioning and reputation of the institution.

The strike by university staff across the country is building up at a high speed. On February 6, 2024, the teaching and nonteaching staff from the University of Bahr El Ghazal go on strike, demanding five months of salary arrears, medical coverage, and reimbursement for flight tickets dating back to 2020. It is likely the other three remaining universities—Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology, University of Juba, and Upper Nile University—will join the strike soon.