TUC demands payment of 12 months salary arrears for railway workers, threatens nationwide strike September 30

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on the government to urgently clear 12 months of salary arrears owed to workers of the Ghana Railways Company Limited (GRCL), warning that employees will embark on a nationwide strike from September 30, 2025, if the arrears remain unpaid.

At a press conference in Accra, Mr. Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the TUC, described the situation as “untenable”, noting that workers had gone without pay for a full year despite repeated engagements with the government.

“Life has become difficult and impossible for the workers. We are demanding that the government act decisively and urgently to get the workers paid,” he said.

He explained that although the TUC had written letters and held consultations with relevant authorities, assurances had not translated into action. The Ghana Railway Workers Union has therefore issued a strike notice, with the TUC declaring its full backing.

The union also raised concern about the government’s withdrawal of support to GRCL, stressing that deteriorating infrastructure had already crippled the company’s haulage business.

Mr. Ansah further underscored the importance of railway investment to national development, stating:

“For those of you who have travelled abroad, just consider how cities like London and New York could function without railways. Most likely, such cities will grind to a halt without them.”

The TUC also cautioned the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Railway Development Authority against what it described as “unholy attempts” to operate railway services without GRCL, warning that it would resist any effort to sideline the company.

While reiterating its commitment to pushing for long-term investment in the railway sector, the TUC emphasised that the immediate priority is for government to pay the arrears in order to avert industrial action.