The Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) in Sierra Leone has suspended its ongoing strike action, effective immediately. This decision comes after a plea from the Vice President of Sierra Leone, who intervened in the dispute between UASA and the government. UASA had been on strike, demanding a salary increase and improved working conditions. The suspension of the strike allows academic activities to resume across public universities and tertiary institutions.
According to a press release from the UASA Secretariat at EBKUST Port Loko Campus, the decision to suspend the strike was made after plenary meetings across its constituent associations. The meetings deliberated on the Vice President's plea and the general membership resolved to suspend the strike out of respect for the Vice President. UASA also requested a joint meeting with the Vice President, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education to finalize a written agreement.
The agreement is expected to clearly state the agreed percentage salary increase and the timelines for implementation. UASA also requested the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to expedite the process of approving the Harmonised Conditions of Service. The union wants copies of the approved document to be shared with them. Furthermore, UASA asked the Ministry of Finance to involve them in the computation of the figures relating to the agreed percentage salary increase to ensure transparency and accuracy.
UASA expressed gratitude to the Vice President for his timely mediation in the dispute. The union appreciated the Vice President and other stakeholders for their commitment to finding a lasting and amicable resolution to the issues at stake. The suspension of the strike paves the way for academic activities to resume, pending the signing of the formal agreement.
The dispute between UASA and the government had been ongoing, with the union demanding improved working conditions and a salary increase. The intervention by the Vice President was seen as a significant step towards resolving the issue. UASA reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and a peaceful resolution that serves the best interests of the higher education sector, students, and the nation at large.
The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education are expected to work with UASA to finalize the agreement. The joint meeting will provide an opportunity for all parties to discuss the details of the agreement and ensure that it is implemented in a timely manner. UASA's demands for transparency and accuracy in the computation of the salary increase are expected to be addressed in the meeting.
The suspension of the strike is a welcome development for students and staff in Sierra Leone's public universities and tertiary institutions. Academic activities are expected to resume immediately, pending the signing of the formal agreement. UASA's commitment to constructive engagement and a peaceful resolution is seen as a positive step towards resolving the dispute and improving the higher education sector in Sierra Leone.
Key points
- UASA suspends strike after Vice President's intervention, pending agreement with Ministry of Finance.
