By Kadijatu Bangura | D.S Reporter
FREETOWN — The Government of Sierra Leone has declared the ongoing strike by academic staff of public universities unlawful and has ordered lecturers to return to work ahead of the reopening of universities on Monday, October 12, 2026.
In a press statement issued on October 9, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) said the industrial action violates Sections 63(3) and 63(4) of the Industrial Relations and Trade Union Act, 2024, which prohibit strike action while negotiations or mediation are still in progress.
The Ministry said the Academic Staff Association (ASA) tabled a demand for a 100 percent salary increment in June and July 2026, which was referred to the Wages and Compensation Commission (WCC) for assessment.
The WCC submitted its financial implications report to the Ministry of Finance on September 11, 2026, but the Ministry noted that negotiations were still ongoing when academic staff embarked on strike on September 16.
Government also questioned the legality of the Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) to declare the strike, arguing that UASA has not been issued a bargaining certificate as required by law. It maintained that an aggrieved unionised employee can only proceed on strike through the Secretary-General of a registered trade union holding a valid bargaining certificate.
The Ministry further argued that UASA’s registration as a corporate entity with the National Investment Board does not confer trade union status or collective bargaining authority. It added that while the Universities Act, 2021 recognises ASA in university governance structures, it does not recognise UASA.
Despite declaring the strike unlawful, Government said it remains committed to resolving lecturers’ concerns through dialogue, transparency and lawful procedures.
The Ministry disclosed that Government has implemented a 75 percent salary increase for academic staff in three instalments, which when compounded amounts to about 87.5 percent, plus an additional 15 percent increase that took effect in April 2025. It added that since July 2019, Government has been responsible for about 83 percent of university staff salaries and annual leave allowances, paid on time.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to a fair, lawful and financially sustainable resolution that protects lecturers’ interests, safeguards students’ education and strengthens the country’s higher education system.
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