Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Minister of Labor has informed lawmakers about the economic impact of too many public holidays in the country, adding that civil servants only work six months a year.
James Hoth Mai said during an address to the national parliament, that the country has many lengthy public holidays that are contrary to international standards.
The labour minister argued that South Sudan has 16 public holidays, 45-day annual leave, and 104 weekends in a year, yet some citizens still demand more holidays.
Mai called for a reduction in excessive holidays to ensure the utilization of time and a prosperous economy.
“When it comes to working hours, the law says 8 hours. This is the labour law approved internationally. You work from 8 to 5. Any more hours you work; you are compensated over time,” he explained to the legislature.
“Now, we have 16 public holidays. We are trying to argue in parliament that we need to reduce but it was difficult. Some people think that if we touch this group, it will be a problem.”
“Honorable Speaker, we are only working six months and a half in this country. We have five months and a half without work.”
“Because you have 52 Saturdays and 52 Sundays, and then add it to the 16 public holidays and the 45 days’ annual leave. And people are still asking for more days.”
According to the UK government website, British work for 8 months in a year, while the US Department of Labor indicates that Americans also work for 8 months a year.
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