SLTU Says Teacher Salary Negotiations to Be Concluded by Year-End
Alex Fefegula Harding The Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) says negotiations with the government over improved teachers’ salaries and working conditions are expected to conclude by the end of 2026, with any agreed salary adjustments incorporated into the 2027 national budget.
In a press release dated Nov. 4, the union said discussions on non-salary provisions of a proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) have been completed, while negotiations over salary adjustments remain pending.
The union said its leadership submitted the proposed agreement to the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education on Sept. 21, outlining proposed improvements to teachers’ remuneration and conditions of service.
A subsequent meeting involving representatives of the government and the union took place on Sept. 28. Both sides agreed to separate the negotiations into salary and non-salary matters to facilitate discussions.
According to the SLTU, the two negotiating panels discussed and finalised the non-salary provisions on Oct. 19. These cover teachers’ professional rights, employment conditions, promotions, transfers, leave entitlements, workload, class sizes, retirement benefits and procedures for resolving workplace disputes.
However, the union said further consideration of its proposed salary adjustments requires input from the ministries of Finance and Basic and Senior Secondary Education, alongside the Teaching Service Commission and the Wages and Compensation Commission.
The SLTU said it is awaiting another meeting between the negotiating panels to examine and reach an agreement on the government’s salary offer.
The union also disclosed that its proposal places greater emphasis on harmonising teachers’ salaries than securing a uniform percentage increase.
While the negotiations continue, the union has appealed to teachers across the country to remain patient until both parties reach an agreement and formally sign the new CBA.
The union said the proposed agreement is expected to deliver improvements in both remuneration and working conditions once negotiations are completed.
The negotiations involve a union delegation led by SLTU President Ibrahim Bankapoma Kargbo and Secretary General Morris S. Conteh, alongside representatives of the government, including officials from the education and finance ministries and relevant public service institutions.