By Correspondent

More than 10 support staff at the Maridi Health Science Institute downed their tools in protest over salary arrears.

The striking workers were blocked from accessing the institution by the administration.

According to the Institute’s administration, the strike was led by cooks, cleaners, a driver, an administrative officer, and IT personnel.

Speaking to the media, John Ezekiel, Maridi County Executive Director, said the staff had not been paid for four months, and called for an amicable solution to the impasse.

Ezekiel said he asked why the salaries had not been paid yet the funds come from students fees, which is directly deposited to the bank.

Meanwhile, Erneo Sabeko, the Institute’s Principal, revealed that the school had been forced to hire temporary workers to step in as staff had stopped working on Friday.

He said the administration has scheduled a meeting next week to agree on a way forward.

The principal said the salaries, which have accrued from October to January, was due to insufficient funds in the institute’s bank account.

Peter Lony, the Deputy Principal and Academic Master at the institution said they had been in touch with the (Eden Bank) bank but they have been unable to withdraw the cash. However, the bank says there is no money available.

He said the strike has disrupted normal operations, and remains unclear when the matter will be resolved.

One of the striking drivers, Isaac Luate, said they were yet to have communication from the management despite not having received their salaries for three months.

“We met with the management and presented our demands. The Dean informed us that the institution is struggling financially, but since there is no clear response. We have suspended our duties until next week,” Luate was quoted as saying, and added: “The administration keeps telling us there is no money in the bank.”

“My message is simple—workers should receive their rightful salaries. Once we are paid, we will return to work as usual.”