By Emmanuel Mbowa
Freetown, 14th August, 2026 – The Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) has issued a 21‑day strike notice to the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, demanding the immediate implementation of reviewed “Conditions of Service” and a “100% salary increase” for academic staff of public tertiary institutions in Sierra Leone.
In a letter dated 13th August 2026 and addressed to the Minister, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, UASA said the decision followed three years of engagements with government stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, the Tertiary Education Commission, the Office of the Chief Minister, and the Wages and Compensation Commission.
According to UASA Secretary‑General, Abiodu Williams, all efforts to secure a concrete response have “proven unsuccessful.” The Union stated the continued delay is eroding staff morale and “severely affecting the quality of teaching, research, and community service delivery” in universities.
Key among UASA’s demands are: the immediate implementation of the reviewed Conditions of Service for academic staff and government consideration of a 100% salary increase for the same category of staff.
UASA maintains the 21‑day notice takes effect from today, 14th August 2026. Should government fail to respond within that period, the Union says it will have “no option but to commence a full industrial action beginning 15th September 2026.”
The letter was signed by UASA National President Abdul Karim Koroma, ETU‑SL President Dr. Joe Diawo, and NU President Aiah James Sandi.
UASA, however, says it “remains committed to dialogue” and is urging the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and TEC, to take urgent steps to address their demands within the notice period.
