Teachers employed by the government in Warrap State have threatened to go on strike if the National Ministry of General Education and Instruction fails to settle their 2024 salary arrears.
The warning follows the national ministry’s decision to freeze the account of the Warrap State education ministry, a move described by the teachers’ union as an obstruction of their professional duties.
Officials report that some teachers in Warrap refused to participate in a screening examination conducted by the national ministry, which was intended to verify qualified teaching staff.
Makoor Kooch Akuoch, acting chairperson of the Warrap teachers’ union, told Radio Tamazuj Saturday that the union has petitioned the national ministry to lift the freeze on the state’s account. He warned that teachers would stop work if their demands are not met.
“The freezing of the account appears to be linked to the rejection of the screening examination,” Akuoch explained. “The former Warrap education minister, Awut Mayom, was swapped with Solomon Bol Mabior of Parliamentary Affairs. Awut has a strong relationship with the national minister, Awut Deng Acuil, and may have influenced her to freeze the account.”
Akuoch alleged that the national ministry closed the account as a punitive measure against teachers who refused to sit for the screening exams.
“The state account was closed to intimidate teachers, and as a result, teachers have not received their 2024 arrears,” he said. “We have petitioned the national ministry to lift the freeze, or we will down tools.”
Warrap State Minister of Education and Instruction, Solomon Bol Mabior, expressed concern that the national ministry’s decision would severely disrupt learning in the state.
Mabior said he had attempted to resolve the issue but was unsuccessful. He warned that the national ministry’s actions would have a significant impact on the current academic year.