Union of Academic Staff Associations Suspends Strike After Vice President’s Intervention
Salamatu Y. Kamara The Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) has suspended its ongoing strike action with immediate effect, following a plea by the Vice President of Sierra Leone to return to work while awaiting a signed written agreement from the Ministry of Finance.
The Office of the President, UASA Secretariat at EBKUST Port Loko Campus, announced the decision in a press release dated 6th November, 2026, signed by Secretary-General Abiodu Williams.
UASA said it wishes to express its profound gratitude to the Vice President for his timely mediation in the current impasse between UASA and the Government.
“UASA deeply appreciates the Honourable Vice President and all other stakeholders for their commitment and concerted efforts towards finding a lasting and amicable resolution to the issues at stake.”
Following the Vice President’s plea, UASA convened plenary meetings across its constituent associations to deliberate on the matter.
At the end of those plenaries, the general membership resolved as follows:
Strike suspended: Out of profound respect for the Honourable Vice President, UASA has decided to suspend the ongoing strike action with immediate effect.
Joint meeting demanded: UASA looks forward to a joint meeting with the Honourable Vice President, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), at which the written commitment to the agreement will be duly signed. The agreement should clearly state the agreed percentage salary increase and the timelines for implementation.
Harmonised Conditions of Service: UASA requests the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to expedite the process of approving the Harmonised Conditions of Service, and that copies of the approved document be shared with UASA.
Transparency in computation: The Ministry of Finance should involve UASA in the computation of the figures relating to the agreed percentage salary increase, to ensure transparency, accuracy, and mutual understanding by all parties.
UASA reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and to a peaceful resolution that serves the best interests of the higher education sector, students, and the nation at large.
The suspension paves the way for academic activities to resume across public universities and tertiary institutions, pending the signing of the formal agreement.
