By Jenifer James
The court hearing for the ten UAP Insurance ex-employees was postponed due to the judge’s absence. This marks another chapter in a complex legal saga that has been unfolding since the employees were dismissed last year.
Speaking to the media outside the courtroom, the Defense Lawyer representing the dismissed staff of UAP, Marko Reech, expressed his disappointment over the adjournment.
“The court hearing will be rescheduled for Monday since the judge was absent,” he stated.
Reech stated that the absence was unexpected, speculating that the judge might have been ill or otherwise occupied. “It has happened that the honorable judge did not come for unknown reasons. We do not exactly know. He might be sick or assigned to another mission,” he said, attempting to reassure the gathered reporters.
According to Reech the upcoming session will focus on the preliminary objections raised in the case, a crucial juncture in determining how the legal proceedings will unfold. “We will come on Monday and fix another day,” Reech concluded, indicating a sense of cautious optimism despite the setback.
This legal battle traces back to a significant strike by UAP staff in September 2023, when employees collectively demanded better salaries and improved working conditions.
Their efforts were met with resistance from the company, prompting the Union of National Staff Association at UAP, based at Equatoria Tower, to take action. They have accused UAP Insurance South Sudan of defying orders issued by the Ministry concerning employee rights, escalating the situation to the courts.
As the case unfolds, it has the potential to reshape not only the future of UAP Insurance but also its relationship with its workforce. The implications of this legal dispute reach far beyond the individual employees involved, they touch on broader issues of workplace fairness and equity within the organization. Observers note that the outcome could set a significant precedent for labor rights in the region, emphasizing the critical need for accountability in corporate practices. The community watches closely, knowing that the decision made in this courtroom could resonate throughout South Sudan’s labor landscape for years to come.