The Union of Journalists of South Sudan has called on all media houses in South Sudan to pay journalists and media workers fairly as the economic situation in the country is alarming. UJOSS Secretary General Majak Daniel Kuany made the remarks ahead of the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day on May 1, 2024.
“As a trade union umbrella of professional journalists in the country, we have noticed with concern that some of the media owners have teamed up with media managers, editors-in-chief and take advantage of the lack of harmonized minimum wage for journalists as a point of exploitation,” he noted.
“It is our belief that journalists should be compensated fairly for their hard work and dedication given the current economic situation and harsh environment” he added.
We are advocating for an establishment of reasonable minimum wages for journalists working for media houses across the country.
UJOSS is cognizant that the country’s labor law of 2017 does not stipulate the salary for journalists. Therefore, journalists and media workers should not be exploited by using this as an excuse.
We call for media owners to have a dialogue with UJOSS in the presence of AMDISS and Media Authority so that we can collectively forge a solution towards setting up a fair pay for journalists.
Employers in media should strongly consider having a written contract that includes fair terms and conditions, prompt payment, and equal treatment in terms of health and safety.
UJOSS would like to take this opportunity of the International labour day to urge the media owners to consider fair pay for journalists. #FairPay4Press!
Participate in our struggle to ensure fair wages for journalists. Help us reach our goal of 1,000 signatures by signing our petition today. Our collaboration has the potential to make a difference!
The Union of Journalists of South Sudan, (UJOSS) is a registered non-profit legal entity in South Sudan. It was founded in 2004 with the aim of protecting journalists, media freedom and ethical standards as well as improving working conditions for journalists including welfare.
