By Deng Ghai Deng
Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) has demanded immediate restoration of journalists suspended from The City Review and Al Hagiga Newspapers.
According to UJOSS’ President Oyet Patrick Charles, the suspensions were conducted in violation of South Sudan’s Labour Act, 2017, which mandates adherence to fair employment practices.
Patrick emphasized that the South Sudan Labour Act, specifically Section 8 (4), renders any unilateral employer decision or contractual provision that contravenes the law null and void.
“Staff of The City Review and Al Hagiga Newspapers have not done anything illegal, their suspension was illegal; they have to be reinstated with full pay for the period for which they were illegally suspended,” Parick stated. “UJOSS’ core mandate according to its constitution are; safety and protection, promotion of professionalism and welfare of journalists.”
The controversy erupted earlier this month when journalists at both newspapers went on a go-slow on July 24 in protest of ongoing pay disputes.
The move came after prolonged salary delays and stark pay disparities between expatriate staff, who earn around $2,500 monthly plus benefits, and national journalists, whose highest salary is less than $100 a month.
The issue has been exacerbated by the depreciation of the South Sudan Pound (SSP), further diminishing their wages.
The journalists’ protest led to their suspension and threats of legal action by their employer, RAK MEDIA.
The City Review and Al Hagiga newspapers have since been running editions predominantly featuring online content, to the dismay of local readers who value the publications’ traditional focus on local news.
One of the suspended reporters at The City Review reported that although the suspension was supposed to end on August 29, there has been no official communication from the management regarding their return or resolution of the issues.
“The team….were in the office to meet the company lawyer [today] but till now the lawyer did not appear in the office and no official communication from their side,” he said.
UJOSS has warned that if the media houses do not comply with the reinstatement demand, the union is prepared to pursue legal action.
Patrick reiterated that UJOSS is committed to ensuring the safety, protection, and fair treatment of journalists, as outlined in its constitution.
The situation remains unresolved, with tensions high as both journalists and the public await a resolution to the ongoing labor dispute.