Sierra Leone’s teachers have suspended a week-long strike after the government promised to settle outstanding salary arrears and school fee subsidies, the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) said on Friday.
The union, which represents thousands of educators across the country, called the work stoppage on Sept. 8 to protest the suspension of more than 4,600 teachers from the payroll, delayed subsidies for schools, and what it described as slow progress on commitments made by the authorities.
Talks chaired by Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh during the week led to assurances that key concerns would be addressed, the union said in a statement.
Government officials reported that subsidies for the second and third terms of the 2024/25 academic year had largely been paid and pledged to clear remaining shortfalls quickly. They also said 1,802 of the suspended teachers had already been reinstated and partially paid for July and August, with backlogs for 325 teachers due this month. Verification continues for others still off the payroll.
A joint committee, coordinated by the vice president’s office and including the ministries of education and finance, the Teaching Service Commission and SLTU, will oversee the settlement of all outstanding issues.
“The union hereby suspends its current strike action and encourages teachers to return to their schools with effect from Monday 15th September,” SLTU Secretary-General Morris Conteh said in the release, adding that unions will monitor payments closely.
The dispute disrupted lessons in primary and secondary schools nationwide, prompting appeals from parents and civic groups for a swift resolution. Education is a flagship policy of President Julius Maada Bio’s government, which has championed free quality schooling but has faced criticism over delays in funding and payroll management.
The SLTU urged members to resume classes and “continue rendering their diligent services to the nation,” while reaffirming its commitment to defend teachers’ rights.
