Railway Workers Union calls off planned strike

The Railway Workers Union of Ghana (RWU) has called off its planned industrial action scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, following a directive from the National Labour Commission (NLC). 

Rather, the union has said it will be attending a negotiation meeting with the NLC on the said date.

In a letter dated September 24, 2025, the union’s General Secretary, Benjamin Essuman, stated, “The Commission has directed that we stay our intended action and appear for negotiations on September 30, 2025. We remain committed to this process and will honour the Commission’s directive in good faith.” 

Trigger

This development temporarily averts a nationwide disruption of railway services that was set to protest twelve months of unpaid salaries owed to workers by the Ghana Railway Company Limited, with arrears dating back to October 2024.

The planned strike, announced on September 15, was a reaction to what the union described as “grave hardship, including financial distress, broken homes, health complications such as stroke, disruption of children’s education, and general frustration” endured by its members.

The union had accused the relevant authorities of failing to initiate lawful processes for negotiation or mediation despite multiple appeals. 

Not entirely off

However, the union, while calling off the strike, has also warned that it will not hesitate to embark on the action if its concerns are not resolved.

“Should our demands remain unresolved after the scheduled negotiations, we shall proceed with our intended action on a new date, which will be duly communicated to your office and the public.”

Recurring dispute

This looming action is the latest chapter in an ongoing dispute over unpaid wages. Just months ago, in May 2025, railway workers embarked on an indefinite strike over seven months of salary arrears, which paralysed passenger services across the country.

While that action was suspended after government assurances, the union states the core financial issues have persisted, leading to the current crisis. 

The RWU has assured that any future industrial action will be conducted peacefully and in full compliance with public order regulations, having previously requested police assistance to ensure security during planned picketing at the Ministry of Transport, Parliament, and other key institutions.