By Kadijatu Bangura D.S Reporter
FREETOWN – The Union of Academic Staff Associations has issued a 21-day strike notice to the Government of Sierra Leone, citing failure to implement the reviewed Conditions of Service and to address its demand for a 100% salary increase for academic staff in public tertiary institutions.
In a formal notification to the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, UASA said it has engaged government and stakeholders for the past three years to resolve issues affecting academic staff. The Union listed engagements with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, the Ministry of Finance, the Tertiary Education Commission, the Office of the Chief Minister at State House, and most recently the Wages and Compensation Commission.
According to UASA, discussions have consistently centered on two demands: the immediate implementation of the reviewed Conditions of Service for academic staff and the Government’s consideration of the 100% salary increase.
However, the Union said that despite several meetings, correspondences and appeals over the past three years, efforts to secure a positive and concrete response from the Government have not yielded the desired results.
UASA warned that the continued delay in addressing its concerns is affecting the morale and welfare of academic staff, while also impacting the quality of teaching, research and community service delivery in public tertiary institutions.
The Union has therefore formally notified the Government of its intention to embark on industrial action if its concerns are not addressed within the 21-day notice period.
UASA maintained that implementing the reviewed Conditions of Service and meaningfully considering its salary demand are critical to improving the welfare of academic staff and strengthening the delivery of tertiary education in Sierra Leone.
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