BY PRECIOUS MIRACLE KARGBO
The Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) has decided to revoke the suspension of their industrial action after promises made by the University and Polytechnic Authorities were left unfulfilled.
The union has expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in addressing their welfare issues, leading them to take further action to compel the authorities to respond.
In a meeting held on Friday, 1 March 2024, at the Freetown Polytechnic, UASA unanimously agreed to withhold their services until 8 March 2024, in order to exert pressure on the authorities. The union’s demands include the payment of severance benefits, backlog of promoted staff, revised rent, and medical allowances, which have been pending for several months.
Since their initial suspension of industrial action expired on 29 February, UASA had expected the University and Polytechnic Authorities to fulfill their commitments. However, due to the lack of progress, the union has decided to resume their strike.
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) have been commended by UASA for their efforts in addressing the welfare concerns of public universities and polytechnics. However, UASA emphasizes that the promises made by the authorities have not been fulfilled, despite several engagements since August of the previous year.
The revocation of the suspension of the industrial action signifies the union’s frustration with the sluggishness in addressing their demands. UASA hopes that by resuming the strike, the authorities will be compelled to take immediate action to resolve their grievances.
The impact of the strike is expected to be significant, as the withholding of services by UASA members will disrupt academic activities and administrative functions in the affected institutions. Students may face delays in receiving their education, and other services provided by the universities and polytechnics may be severely affected.
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education has been urged by UASA to prioritize the resolution of these pressing issues. The union emphasizes that the welfare of academic staff is crucial for the effective functioning of educational institutions and the quality of education provided to students.
As the strike resumes, the ball is now in the court of the University and Polytechnic Authorities to take swift action in meeting the demands of UASA. Failure to do so may prolong the industrial action and further disrupt the academic calendar, ultimately impacting the entire education system in Sierra Leone.
