The Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) has announced that negotiations with the government over improved teachers' salaries and working conditions are expected to conclude by the end of 2026. The union submitted a proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education on September 21, outlining proposed improvements to teachers' remuneration and conditions of service. A meeting between the union and government representatives took place on September 28, where both sides agreed to separate negotiations into salary and non-salary matters.
According to the SLTU, discussions on non-salary provisions of the proposed CBA have been completed, while negotiations over salary adjustments remain pending. The non-salary provisions cover teachers' professional rights, employment conditions, promotions, transfers, leave entitlements, workload, class sizes, retirement benefits, and procedures for resolving workplace disputes. These were finalised on October 19 by the two negotiating panels. The union's leadership, led by SLTU President Ibrahim Bankapoma Kargbo and Secretary General Morris S. Conteh, is involved in the negotiations alongside representatives of the government.
The SLTU 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 union is awaiting another meeting between the negotiating panels to examine and reach an agreement on the government's salary offer. The proposed agreement places greater emphasis on harmonising teachers' salaries than securing a uniform percentage increase.
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 proposed agreement is expected to deliver improvements in both remuneration and working conditions once negotiations are completed. The SLTU's proposal aims to address the current salary structure and working conditions of teachers in Sierra Leone.
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. The SLTU's efforts to improve teachers' salaries and working conditions have been ongoing, with the union seeking to address the challenges faced by teachers in the country.
The SLTU's proposed CBA is expected to have a positive impact on the education sector in Sierra Leone, as improved teachers' salaries and working conditions can lead to better educational outcomes. The union's emphasis on harmonising teachers' salaries reflects the need for a fair and equitable salary structure. The government's response to the union's proposal will be crucial in determining the outcome of the negotiations.
The SLTU's announcement provides a positive outlook for teachers in Sierra Leone, who have been awaiting improved salaries and working conditions. The union's efforts to engage with the government and other stakeholders demonstrate its commitment to advocating for teachers' rights and interests. The expected conclusion of the negotiations by the end of 2026 will provide clarity on the future of teachers' salaries and working conditions in the country.
Key points
- SLTU expects to conclude salary negotiations with government by end of 2026
- Non-salary provisions of proposed CBA have been completed
- Union emphasises harmonising teachers' salaries over uniform percentage increase
