After four years as RMT’s general secretary, Mick Lynch will retire at the age 63.
Lynch, an electrician with a degree, was blacklisted illegally for his union membership.
In 1988, he was instrumental in the formation of the Electrical and Plumbing Industries Union after the Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications and Plumbing Union, (EETPU), was expelled from TUC because it had made agreements with companies despite opposition by other TUC members.
When he started working for Eurostar, in 1993, he joined the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers. He helped to create a union branch that would serve the new international rail line.
Lynch expressed his pride at having served as both a member of the union and a elected officer.
He said, “It’s been an honor to serve in this union as a member for more than 30 years. But now it’s time for a change.” “This union has gone through many struggles in the last few years and I think it has made it stronger, despite all odds.
There has never been an urgent need for a union that represents all workers in the transport and energy sectors, regardless of their grade. However, we can only build and maintain a strong organisation for these workers through renewal and change.
Lynch was in charge of the rail network during a period when there were many strikes. The dispute, which lasted for years, concerned pay and conditions. In September 2024, members accepted offers of pay from Network Rail and train operating companies.
Lynch said, “We are all proud of the fact that our union fought back against the Tory government’s wholesale attacks on rail industry and won.”
“RMT is always going to need new workers to fight for their members and for a more just society. I am extremely proud to have taken part in that struggle.”
After two terms as Assistant General Secretary, he was elected to the position of general secretary in 2021.
The RMT announced that a timeline for the election will be completed in the first week of the month of May 2025. Lynch will continue to serve in his current position until the end of the process.
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