Who is RMT leader Mick Lynch?

MICK Lynch is the general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union.

Here’s everything you need to know about the man who demands that pay must be hiked to reflect the cost of living crisis.

Who is RMT leader Mick Lynch?

Mick Lynch is a 60-year-old British trade unionist.

Born to Irish parents in 1962, he grew up in Paddington, London.

He left school when he was 16 years of age and qualified as an electrician.

He then moved to work in construction, and joined a trade union, but found himself illegally blacklisted as a result.

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British entrepreneur Mike LynchCredit: Reuters

In 1993, he was unable to find any work and began working for Eurostar, to which he became active in the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).

Twenty years later, he received a large settlement for the illegal blacklisting.

When did Mick Lynch become RMT General Secretary?

Lynch previously served two terms as assistant general secretary of the RMT, and two terms on its executive.

After general secretary Mick Cash took time off in 2020, due to ill health, Lynch was appointed as acting general secretary.

However, he stood down after just a few months after accusing members of its executive of bullying and harassment.

But in May 2021, he stood in and won the election for the permanent position of General Secretary.

He is expected to serve a five-year term until May 3, 2026.

What has Mick Lynch said about the rail strikes?

Lynch has insisted that they “don’t want to cause misery” as they announced the biggest rail strike in 33 years.

He said: “We’ve got a cost of living crisis and our workers have been working throughout the pandemic and their reward has been a pay freeze.

“I understand the anger of people – but I also understand the anger of our workers.

“We’re not holding the public hostage – but we’re not going to accept the poverty of our members.

“I would like to find another way other than strike but we’ve been talking to these companies for two years.

“You’re asking us to be passive in the face of aggression.”

The national rail strike is expected to take place on three days – June 21, 23 and 25.