Railway workers threaten strike over 11 months unpaid salaries

The Railway Workers Union of Ghana has issued a formal ultimatum, threatening to embark on industrial action if the government and the management of the Ghana Railway Company Limited fail to settle 11 months of outstanding salaries by the end of May.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Benjamin Essuman, the union emphasized that workers have not received salaries from June 2025 to April 2026, despite the previous payment of arrears covering October 2024 to May 2025. The union characterized the delays as unlawful and stated that the situation has caused significant hardship for workers and their families.

The government assured workers during a meeting at Kojokrom on 24th April 2026 that all outstanding payments would be settled by 31st May 2026.

The union warned that failure to meet the deadline would necessitate taking legal action, including strikes and a referral to the National Labour Commission.

The statement also raised concerns about uncertainty over the future of workers at the railway company.

According to the union, discussions about possible redundancy and downsizing since October 2025 have remained inconclusive, leaving workers anxious about their jobs.

The union said proposals to reduce the workforce from 839 employees to between 160 and 200 workers had not been officially communicated.

It called on the Ministry of Transport, Parliament’s Select Committee on Transport and other state agencies to announce a clear policy on the future of railway workers by June 2026.

The union also urged government to invest in the Western Railway Line, saying years of neglect had weakened the country’s transport system and increased pressure on roads.

It argued that improving railway infrastructure would reduce traffic congestion, lower road maintenance costs and improve economic productivity.

The statement further called for government intervention to resolve disputes between the Ghana Railway Development Authority and the Ghana Railway Company Limited, saying ongoing institutional conflicts were affecting operations and threatening job security.

The union also demanded investigations into allegations involving payments made by private companies to railway management for workers’ salaries.

It further questioned the removal of railway lines at Ofanko, Achimota and Nsawam, reported auction sales along the Sekondi, Takoradi and Tarkwa corridor, and the reported procurement of wooden sleepers and ballast worth GH¢40 million.

The union called on the Transport Minister to disclose the facts, commission an independent investigation and make the findings public.

It also appealed to the Presidency to intervene and restore confidence in the railway sector.

The union said it remained open to dialogue but insisted it would not stay silent while workers continued to suffer and the railway sector declined.