By Yiep Joseph
President Salva Kiir has expressed his appreciation for the country’s workforce and their contributions, reiterating the government’s commitment to improving working conditions.
In his International Labor Day message, President Kiir acknowledged the challenges facing workers in the country, adding that the government is working diligently to address them.
International Labour Day, celebrated annually on May 1st, honors workers’ rights and the global labor movement. It highlights the importance of fair treatment, safe working conditions, and social justice for all workers.
“The government acknowledges the challenges you endure, and I assure you that we remain committed to improving your working conditions, ensuring timely salary payments, and implementing sustainable reforms to uplift the public,” Kiir stated in the message.
Challenges faced by the labor force include salary delays and a lack of insurance, among others, which sometimes compel some officials to engage in corruption and irresponsible behavior in their work.
The President called on all workers, in both public and private sectors, to work with dignity.
“I urge all of us to continue working in unity, guided by the principles of dignity, accountability, and shared responsibility,” Kiir said.
Kiir acknowledged the tireless efforts of the country’s workforce towards growth and development and extended his wishes for a happy International Labour Day.
“On this important occasion of Labour Day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the hardworking men and women of South Sudan. This is a tribute to your tireless efforts and your unwavering dedication to the growth, development, and stability of our beloved country,” he said.
Recently, South Sudan’s Ministry of Finance announced that it has begun processing salary payments for April 2025 to public servants, organized forces, and foreign missions.
The Ministry of Finance stated in a released circular that it has started processing and disbursing salaries to all spending agencies at the national, state, and administrative area levels.
“The Ministry of Finance and Planning has the pleasure and honor to inform all spending agencies, the media, and the general public that the processing and payment of salaries for the month of April 2025 has been successfully initiated,” the statement read.
It clarified that April salaries will cover all sectors under Chapter One, including all civil servants, the army and organized forces, and foreign missions.
As of April 24th, 2025, all salaries for spending agencies had been disbursed to their respective accounts.
However, the previous salary arrears from 2024 have not yet been cleared by the government, and the situation surrounding their clearance remains uncertain.
International Labour Day, also known as May Day, is a global celebration of workers’ rights, achievements, and contributions to society. Observed annually on May 1st, this day honors the labor movement and advocates for fair treatment, decent working conditions, and social justice for workers worldwide.