Mansaray was speaking over a local media outlet. He went on to say that teachers across the country were embarking on a sit-at-home strike action because their demands have still not been met by the government.

However, SLTU President, Mohamed Sallieu Bangura, told journalists yesterday that Voice of Teachers is not the legally recognized or competent body to call teachers for a strike action. He added that the SLTU is the only recognized body to take on such matters.

He said: “You cannot just call a strike action without first going into negotiation. We are presently in the process of negotiating with government for the possible increase in salaries and improvement of the conditions of service for teachers. Any group that is calling for a strike action at this time is just trying to create mischief.”

On his part, Mohamed Ali Mansaray claimed that their union is registered and that they have been issued a certificate to operate in the country, and therefore, they are legally capable of representing the interests of teachers across the country.

He added: “We are a union just like the SLTU and we have completed our registration process. Our lawyers have completed it and they have handed over to us our certificate to operate as a union in this country.”

Meanwhile, a press release issued by SLTU and signed by its Secretary General dilated on an ongoing negotiation with government on the possible increment of salaries and the improvement of conditions of service for teachers through the legal body- the Teaching Service Trade Group Negotiating Council (TSTGNC) comprised of government as Employer, with the SLTU representing the Employees.