Journalists at Radio Jonglei FM have gone on an open-ended strike “over poor working and remuneration conditions.”
The strike at the radio station started on Wednesday last week.
Radio Jonglei 95.9 FM, which is based in the town of Bor, is an independent radio station established in 2010 with equipment donated by the Christian Missionary Church.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, several journalists said they will not report to work unless their demands for better working conditions and pay rise are met.
“Our contracts ended in July last year. We have been complaining throughout but without any improvement. In March this year, after our first strike, we were promised a change, only to see our colleagues dismissed for complaining. Also, there are no procedures for dismissal,” said Biar Valentino, a presenter at the station.
Mabang Kur, another presenter, said they want their salaries increased.
“Even during this COVID-19 crisis, we are only paid 7,850 SSP [monthly]. I have been working for four years. So we want our salaries increased to at least 100 USD because we have families to care for,” he said.
Malueth Ding, an editor, said they will not report to work unless their demands are met by the station’s management.
For Victoria Yom, her dismissal came while on maternity leave.
“I was given a two-month maternity leave in April, but I gave birth in June. That Issue led to my dismissal. Another reason was that they [management] were not happy with my being among the panellists who advocated for 35% representation of women in the media,” she explained.
Tijwog Agwet, the station manager, said he was unaware of staff grievances.
“We received their letter, but there is nothing we can do about it. They are working voluntarily. So, let them go and those who remained will run the station,” he said.