Teachers in Jonglei State have defied a directive by the state Ministry of Education to resume work.

Last week, primary and secondary school teachers went on strike, demanding pay rise, permanent appointments, promotions, and allowances.

The strike came after they received the July and February documents with new salary structures and average costing.

The teachers say since 2007, an approximate 70% of schools teachers have been working on provisional terms only.

They say these changes do not meet their demands.

But the ministry education ordered for the unconditional reopening of schools.

It said the teachers were being unreasonable, citing budget deficit induced by the ongoing economic crisis.

A document seen by Eye Radio in Bor shows that all school inspectors and head teachers should ensure that the schools are operating, and that any violation will be dealt with using administrative disciplinary measures.

However, a representative of the teachers says they are still defiant.

“We will not open the schools until we see the payment, starting with September,” Paul Machar David told Eye Radio.

Mr Machar further said the Ministry had made promises to resolve the demands of the teachers in the past, but failed to follow through.