Railway workers embark on strike in protest over poor conditions of service

Railway workers have embarked on a sit-down strike in protest of what they say, are the poor conditions of service.

The strike has left commuters plying the Accra-Nsawam and  Accra-Tema routes stranded with many compelled to resort to road transport which is relatively costly.

According to Chairman of the Railway Workers Union, Alex Nana Boateng , who spoke to Joy News, they have withdrawn the shuttle services until an agreement has been reached between the leaders of the Union and government.

Last week, the railway workers, issued an ultimatum to government about their intention to strike if government failed to address concerns on their low incomes  and the growing challenges in the railway sector.

In an attempt to convince the workers to return to work, Deputy Minister of Transport, Joyce Bawa , pleaded with the workers to call off the sit-down strike.

“We have appealed to them to try and exercise restraint in the face of their challenges, the Deputy Minister implored.

She also bemoaned the state of the impoverished railway sector, noting that it was the reason why the railway business was ailing.

Her appeals notwithstanding, the railway workers have begun their strike to protest their poor living conditions.

A negotiation between the leadership of the Union and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) which is expected to  take place today would decide the future of the strike action.