Fourah Bay College – USL
The Union of Academic Staff Associations of Public Tertiary Institutions (UASA) has maintained its ongoing industrial action following a stakeholders’ meeting with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) on Friday, 16 October 2026, which ended without a concrete commitment on its demand for a 100% salary increase.
The meeting, held at the conference hall of MTHE, brought together the Honourable Minister and Director of MTHE, the Chief Executive Officer of the WCC, the Deputy Minister of Labour, Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, Principals and the UASA Executive.
During the meeting, government representatives highlighted previous salary increments and proposed reforms to the promotion policy as part of efforts to address staff welfare.
However, MTHE maintained that it did not have the mandate to negotiate salary increases, explaining that the process required the involvement of the Ministry of Finance and other relevant authorities.
Government representatives appealed to UASA to suspend the industrial action to allow further engagement and address outstanding issues before the finalisation of the 2027 Budget.
In response, UASA said the industrial action was prompted by prolonged delays in salary adjustments amid rising living costs, slow government engagement and the absence of a concrete offer to serve as a basis for negotiations.
The union maintained that it would only suspend the action after receiving a written commitment from the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Finance, outlining the proposed salary increase, implementation arrangements and timelines.
UASA reiterated its proposal for a phased 100% salary increase, comprising 40% effective November 2026, 30% effective May 2027 and the remaining 30% effective September 2027.
Although the meeting ended in a deadlock, the parties agreed that the review of Conditions of Service should be completed by Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
A joint meeting involving MTHE, WCC, TEC, the Ministry of Labour, Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, Principals and UASA is also scheduled for Friday, 23 October 2026, at COMAHS to address salary disparities and harmonise Conditions of Service.
UASA said it remained committed to constructive dialogue but insisted that the industrial action would continue until the relevant authorities provided a satisfactory written commitment.
The union added that members and the general public would be informed of further developments as discussions continued.
