Police have been called to the Parliament Building after employees threatened to strike over unpaid bills.
While the administration has yet to explain why there were so many officers at Parliament, NCMP has learned from several sources that the police were reportedly summoned in by the Deputy Speaker when the parliamentary employees went on strike on Monday, June 6.
Over 1000 legislative staffers went on strike last week, asking that their six-month arrears be paid.
Up to nine highly armed cops were dispatched to the precinct, perhaps to cope with the striking personnel who haven’t been paid in six months.
According to one of the parliamentary staff members who talked to the press, a preliminary assessment suggests that disgruntled staffers submitted their requests with security following a brief discussion.
Civil officials have been working without pay for months as the government deals with fast increasing inflation, which prompted the Bank of South Sudan to auction $5 million to hedge against a devaluing Pound (SSP).
MPs were expected to meet on Monday, but there is currently no substantial action in the House.
According to our source, a few legislators were observed seeking shade from the hot heat beneath the trees.
“The presence of the cops caused havoc in parliament.” This is the place where laws are formed. They (police) should not break the law since every person has the right to protest.
“The cops should not have been there in the first place.” “Right now, we (MPs) are simply here, beneath a tree, since there is no personnel to even verify the register,” stated Juol Nhomngek Danie MP.
Workers are presently gathered in a meeting to discuss the next steps.
