We’re very angry over salary arrears – Railway workers

The Railway Workers Union is frustrated with the government's failure to pay salaries. They plan to proceed with a strike action.

General Secretary Benjamin Essuman spoke on Citi Eyewitness News on May 12. He called the situation “pathetic and unacceptable.” Nearly 960 workers have not received salaries for almost eight months.

Essuman said, “It is not easy.” The unpaid workers are spread across various regions, including Western, Ashanti, and Greater Accra. After the election, they engaged with the new minister but received only promises.

Workers have been patient but are running out of options. Despite assurances from the Ministry of Transport, salaries remain unpaid. Essuman noted that they were promised payment in April but are still waiting in May.

He warned that workers face extreme financial strain. Many borrow money just to survive while continuing to report for duty. “How long can we keep doing this?” he asked.

The union has announced a strike starting Tuesday, May 13, 2025. This will disrupt critical rail services like the Tema–Accra route.

Essuman emphasized that workers feel abandoned by the government since the railway company is fully state-owned. He urged stakeholders to act quickly as anger among workers is rising.

“There is nothing we can do again than to strike,” he stated firmly. The union demands immediate payment of salary arrears and a plan to prevent future delays.