Academic Staff Association Declares Immediate Nationwide Strike
Public tertiary education across Sierra Leone has come to a standstill following a nationwide industrial action declared by the Union of Academic Staff Associations of Public Tertiary Institutions (UASA). The strike took effect at midnight on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, after a 21-day notice period expired without a resolution from the government.
In a formal public notice issued on September 15, UASA Secretary-General Abiodu Williams confirmed that the 21-day ultimatum served to the government on August 13 had lapsed. The union is demanding two key concessions:
The immediate implementation of the reviewed Conditions of Service for academic staff.
A 100 percent salary increment for all eligible faculty members across public institutions.
Throughout the notice window, UASA held multi-stakeholder talks involving the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), the Conference of Vice Chancellors and Principals (CVCP), and the Wages and Compensation Commission (WCC). Previous attempts at mediation also drew in the Ministry of Finance, the Tertiary Education Commission, and the Office of the Chief Minister.
Despite nearly three years of ongoing discussions—including focused negotiations in June 2026—the union reported that engagements failed to produce a binding or satisfactory framework to address staff grievances.
Branch executives have been instructed to enforce full compliance with the withdrawal of services until further notice. While urging members to remain disciplined and united, UASA emphasized that it remains open to constructive dialogue if the government presents actionable solutions.
Comments