In a positive turn of events, the strike action at the University of Sierra Leone has been called off, and normal university activities are set to resume. The University of Sierra Leone Court has been reconstituted, ensuring that matriculation, exams, and graduation will proceed as originally scheduled. Classes are scheduled to resume tomorrow.
The Union of Academic Staff Association (UASA) conveyed the decision to suspend the industrial action in a letter. The union expressed appreciation for the efforts and commitments of the Government of Sierra Leone in addressing crucial welfare issues involving University and Polytechnic Authorities. These authorities include the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), Ministry of Finance (MoF), Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MLESS), Courts, Council, and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). The dialogues on these matters spanned over six months.
While the strike has been called off, UASA highlighted specific concerns that are yet to be addressed by the University and Polytechnic Authorities:
Full implementation of the 2022-2024 Revised and Harmonized Conditions of Service,
Use of the 2013 Promotion Criteria for Senior Academic and Administrative Staff in tertiary institutions,
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Issuance of letters of appointment to staff of newly upgraded institutions,
Upgrade of salaries of staff of newly upgraded institutions,
Promotion backlog payment to staff of new Universities and Polytechnic,
Payment of increment in Rent and Medical Allowances,
Full payment of Severance Benefits into the accounts of individual beneficiaries, and
Full payment of the Sierra Leone Government Grants-in-Aid refunds to Public Universities and Polytechnic since 2014.
UASA emphasized the expectation of full implementation of these concerns in the near future. The resumption of normal activities at the University of Sierra Leone marks a positive step forward, following constructive dialogues between the union and relevant authorities.
