Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The South Sudan Workers’ Trade Federation on Thursday called for improved working conditions and higher pay, citing an “appalling” environment for civil servants.
The appeal came as the country marked Labor Day, an annual public holiday observed May 1 to advocate for workers’ rights.
At a news conference in Juba, Agasio Akol Arop, the federation’s deputy secretary-general, said workers struggle with inflation, low wages, unpaid salaries and a lack of minimum wage laws. Many cannot afford school fees, leaving their children out of classrooms, he added.
“Let us use this Labor Day to remember our struggle and the successes of the labor movement in fighting for workers’ rights,” Akol said. “Unite in collective bargaining, respect the laws of your country and pray for lasting peace.”
He acknowledged civil servants’ contributions but urged authorities to address their needs in the coming year.
Meling Mary Mogga, the union’s secretary for women and child affairs, said low and delayed salaries force many women to leave their jobs for informal work.
“Women and children are suffering,” Mogga said. “We are managing with the little we have, carrying this heavy load like Jesus carried the cross. We urge the government to act.”
She said some workers went unpaid for over a year, and even recent partial payments fail to cover soaring school fees and living costs.
“Government employees’ children sit at home because schools demand 100 US dollars for school fees and another 100 US dollars for uniforms,” Mogga said. “I appeal for free education for their children—these workers serve our country.”
Antoniet Benjamin Babu, the union’s information secretary, said women bear the brunt of the crisis, with salaries lasting “just three or four days.” Medical care is also unaffordable, she added, citing the high cost of treatment at Juba Teaching Hospital.
“Even paracetamol is out of reach,” Babu said. “The government must support civil servants and clear salary arrears, even in installments.”
In his Labor Day message, President Salva Kiir pledged to improve working conditions for civil servants and ensure timely salary payments, acknowledging their ongoing struggles.
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