Prior to the official reopening of the 2025/2026, the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) announced a nationwide strike, commencing September 8th, 2025, due to longstanding grievances.
The industrial action, which has commenced, emanated from persistent failure of government to pay school subsidies and other outstanding unmet financial obligations.
The Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC), the nation’s main umbrella body for trade unions, has now publicly addressed the strike action. In a statement issued Monday, the SLLC expressed deep concern over the government’s inability to resolve the crisis, particularly given the administration owns high-priority focus on education.
“It is a matter of serious concern that the Government has not been able to address the mandatory issues raised by the Teachers’ Union,” the SLLC stated, highlighting the irony of the situation. “This is happening at a time when the Free Quality Education programme is the government’s own flagship programme.”
The Labour Congress has thrown its full weight behind the SLTU, its affiliate union, declaring its solidarity with the striking teachers. However, it also called for urgent action from the government to break the deadlock and get children back to learning.
“The Sierra Leone Labour Congress therefore calls on Government to address the issues raised by the Sierra Leone Teachers Union for an immediate resumption of schools,” the statement read, emphasising the critical need to “continue promoting education for our children.”
According to the Commission, they are currently actively engaging with the government and the SLTU, as well as exploring other options, to reach a fruitful resolution.
