The Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) has resolved to continue its nationwide industrial action across all public tertiary institutions until government addresses its demand for a 100% salary increase and full implementation of the 2026–2028 Harmonised Conditions of Service.
The decision was taken on Monday, 29th September 2026, during a meeting of Presidents and Secretaries of UASA’s seven constituent associations held at the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST), Port Loko Campus.
According to UASA, the meeting reviewed institutional engagements held between 23rd and 27th September on the directive of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), following the strike which began at midnight on 16th September.
The strike was declared after a 21-day notice issued to government on 13th August expired without a binding agreement.
Two Main Demands
UASA Secretary-General, Abiodu Williams said the union is demanding:
1. A 100% salary increment for all academic staff in public tertiary institutions
2. Immediate implementation of the 2026–2028 Harmonised Conditions of Service where it has not yet been effected
The union says although it had engaged the MTHE, the Conference of Vice Chancellors and Principals (CVCP), and the Wages and Compensation Commission (WCC) during the notice period, no concrete resolution was reached. UASA had initially asked for 500% before reducing it to 100%.
The WCC has confirmed it has completed its assessment and submitted its report to the Ministry of Finance on 11th September 2026 for consideration.
UASA Rejects Separate Engagements
The union expressed concern over government’s decision to engage individual Academic Staff Associations at institutional level instead of the national UASA leadership that is coordinating the strike.
It also alleged that some representatives faced difficulties in presenting their positions and that there were reports of intimidation and pressure on academic staff in some institutions.
UASA further argued that engaging institutions separately undermines collective bargaining and the unity of the union.
The organisation clarified that it did not refuse to attend the stakeholders’ meeting convened by MTHE on 17th September. It said it requested a postponement due to short notice and logistical challenges for members travelling from the provinces, but received no response.
Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, has called for continued dialogue, noting that discussions were still ongoing when the strike was declared.
She pointed to previous increases – a 75% salary increase in 2021 which compounded to about 87% after three installments, and an additional 15% in 2025. Government, she said, currently covers about 83% of lecturers’ salaries including leave allowance.
Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, during an engagement with heads of tertiary institutions on 18th September, said government remains committed to constructive dialogue but must operate within the country’s fiscal realities.
Strike Continues
UASA says while its doors remain open for negotiations, all further talks must go through the national leadership. It is also demanding an update from government on the status of the WCC communication to the Ministry of Finance regarding the 100% increment.
Until those demands are met, the union says all academic staff should continue to withdraw their services, leaving public universities including University of Sierra Leone, Njala University, EBKUST, Milton Margai Technical University, Eastern Technical University and all public polytechnics shut down.
