November 6th 2019 (Nyamilepedia) – The deputy mayor of Juba city, Thiik Thiik Mayardit, and a security firm has agreed to pay South Sudan workers in US dollar according to a statement issued last week.
Mayardit, who urged the local workers to recommit to work, said the agreement provided for the payment of all the salaries in dollars and that October salaries would be paid based on the latest agreement.
“This press release aims to inform the general public, and the employees of W.S Insight Ltd that we have reached an amicable solution after long protracted discussions about employment issues relating to our South Sudanese nationals working for the company,” the statement seen by Nyamilepedia, and dated November 1st, partly read.
“After my consultation with the national government, we have jointly agreed with the company that it is in the best interest of our nationals that they are paid in U.S. dollars,” the statement signed by Mayardit himself added.
Local workers have been complaining of little pay, which is always given in South Sudanese pounds and also paid late.
Thiik Thiik said his main objective is to empower the “citizens employed by W.S Insight Ltd to earn decent salaries to put food on the table for their families and to educate their children, who are the foundational bedrock of our young Republic.”
“As a Deputy Mayor, I have agreed with Insight to pay salaries in U.S Dollars starting from October 2019. I fought for you and together we have achieved what you always wanted.” Thiik said.
“In summary, this includes: Payment of your October salary, and subsequent salaries, for all staff in U.S dollars. The Company is legally obliged to make certain deductions from the Employee’s pay. This is based on the employment and labour acts at the time the contracts are issued.” He added.
Thiik further explains that the deductions will be calculated on percentage that will add upto 23%;
“At the time of this contract these deductions include Personal Income Tax (PIT) of 15% and the Employee’s contribution to the National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) of 8% Since all matters of payment in U.S dollars are now resolved, all contracts can now be signed. The September salary has already been paid SSP.” Thiik expalins.
“Historical balances, of accrued leave, will be paid in SSP together with your October salary. The company has agreed to dissolve the current staff committee and form the new committee that include all employee interests.” He added.
The deputy mayor calls on employees to stop striking forthwith since their demands are met.
“Since the company has accepted to pay you in U.S dollars, I want no further strikes within the company at any location. All staff should now recommit themselves to delivering their excellent services for the company, which has been operating successfully in South Sudan for 12 years.”
“In this regard, I Thiik Thiik Mayardit, Deputy Mayor of Juba, have officially completed all negotiations for Insight employees across the whole country, from the date of my signature.” Thiik Thiik signs off.
