Railway workers threaten strike over 11 months’ salary arrears

The Railway Workers Union has warned that it will embark on an industrial strike action if the government fails to pay 11 months of outstanding salary arrears by May 31, 2026.

The union said repeated promises from the Ministry of Transport after an earlier protest in March have not resulted in any meaningful resolution, leaving members increasingly frustrated and under financial strain.

Speaking to Channel One News on Tuesday, May 19, General Secretary of the union, Benjamin Essuman, accused the authorities of unlawfully withholding workers’ salaries, adding that the delays are severely impacting the livelihoods of members.

He explained that while some arrears covering October 2024 to May 2025 have been paid, salaries from June 2025 to April 2026 remain outstanding.

“We are calling for the immediate payment of 11 months’ salary arrears covering June 2025 to April 2026. Although eight months’ arrears from October 2024 to May 2025 have been settled, the continued delay in paying workers constitutes unlawful withholding of earned wages, causes severe economic hardship, and violates basic employment conditions,” he stated.

Mr. Essuman further cautioned that the union will explore all legal options if the government does not address their demands before the deadline at the end of May.