Workers of the Ghana Railway sector have boycotted this year’s May Day celebrations nationwide, citing the government’s failure to settle outstanding salary arrears.
According to the leadership of the Railway Workers’ Union, members are owed several months of unpaid salaries, a situation they say is negatively affecting their welfare and morale.
Although the government has recently paid about four months of the arrears, the workers insist that all outstanding salaries for 2025 must be fully cleared.
The leadership noted that the prolonged delay in payments has demoralized members, leaving them with little motivation to participate in the annual workers’ celebration.
They also indicated that they had requested the National Chairman of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to convey their concerns to the government during his May Day address.
“…we made a conscious decision not to attend due to our current circumstances,” Benjamin Esuman, General Secretary of the Railway Workers’ Union told Connect FM.
He explained that the government currently owes workers about 11 months of salary arrears, adding that while four months have been paid, the union expects the full settlement of all outstanding salaries for 2025.
“The government owes us several months of salary arrears, which is why we chose not to participate in the nationwide May Day celebrations. In total, we are owed about 11 months’ salary. Although four months have been paid, we expect the full clearance of all outstanding salaries for 2025”. He added.
Mr. Esuman further disclosed that the union has held advanced discussions with the Ministry of Transport, which has given assurances that payments will resume next week. He expressed optimism that the promise would be honoured.
“We have held advanced discussions with the Ministry of Transport, and they have given us a positive assurance that payment will be made next week. The leadership of the Railway Workers’ Union is hopeful that this promise will be fulfilled”.
However, he cautioned that failure by the government to fulfil its commitment could lead to further action by the workers.
“If the government fails to settle the arrears following our engagement with the Ministry, we will be compelled to take serious action as railway workers,” he warned.
May Day is observed globally to celebrate the contributions and rights of workers.
By Eric Nana Gyetuah
