UJOSS demands for immediate withdrawal of suspension of staff of Radio Jonglei

The Union of Journalists South Sudan (UOJSS) is demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Suspension of the Radio Jonglei staff. The union is responding to a memo signed by the CEO of the Radio station.

Find the details of the demands below:

Concerning your letter of date 19/05/2022 with the subject “Suspension of the following
staff from duties……………….”
1) John Achiek Mabior -Director

2) Majok Guet -Station Manager

3) Matuor Mabior – Finance Officer

4) Deng Ghai – Chief Editor.

You provided for the Suspension because the staff aired “…..News that ignored the protocol of the leadership of Jonglei State…..” but there is no protocol in News.

The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) would like to put it to you that the Suspension of the staff of Radio Jonglei is not in conformity with South Sudan Labour Act, 2017, Section 75 (1 & 2); as such, you should withdraw the Suspension with immediate effect.

South Sudan Labour Act, 2017, Section 75 (1 & 2) states as follows; An employer shall not terminate an employment contract for reasons relating to repeated failure by an employee to perform work as required by the employment contract to the satisfactory standard unless the employee has;

(a) notified an employee of the possibility of termination for such reason;

(b) explained the way or ways in which the performance of an employee is not meeting the standard of work required;

(c) provided an employee with a reasonable opportunity to make a defense relating to the reasons for failure to meet the standards and given due consideration to the defense so made; and

(d) provided an employee with a reasonable opportunity to improve employee performance.

(2) To meet the requirement of paragraph (d) of sub-section (1) above, the employer shall provide an employee with such time, training, and support as is reasonable in line with all relevant circumstances.

South Sudan Labor Act, 2017 Section 75 talks about “Termination for Unsatisfactory Performance.” The same applies to “suspension for unsatisfactory performance.” According to the suspension letter, which is the basis for your action.

If you fail to withdraw the Suspension within seven (7) days from 24/5/2022, UJOSS will be left with no option except to instruct a legal team to commence a proceeding in accordance with the South Sudan Labour Act 2017 and other Laws of South Sudan.