Who is RMT leader Mick Lynch?

MICK LYNCH is the boss of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, whose members are striking in their thousands over job losses, pay and conditions.

But when did he become RMT leader, and what’s his salary? Here’s all you need to know.

Who is RMT leader Mick Lynch?

Mick Lynch is a British trade unionist who was born in 1962 to Irish parents.

He grew up in Paddington, London, and left school when he was 16.

He went on to qualify as an electrician before moving into construction.

He joined a trade union, but found himself illegally blacklisted as a result.

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Mick Lynch is a British trade unionistCredit: Alamy

In 1993, he 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.

The RMT announced rail strikes would be taking place in June 2022.

The union claims Network Rail and the train operating companies have hit their staff with multiyear pay freezes and plan to cut thousands of jobs and that these cuts will make the railways unsafe.

On June 19, 2022, Mick warned the walk-outs may only be the start.

The union leader said the rail strike will go on “as long as it needs to”.

What is Mick Lynch’s salary

In March 2022, The Times reported that after becoming General Secretary in 2021, he moved on to a package worth over £124k.

He has reportedly earned £763,000 in salary and benefits since he joined the union in 2015.

Lynch previously served two terms as assistant general secretary of the RMT, earning £100k-a-year in pay and benefits.

When did Mick Lynch become RMT General Secretary?

Lynch 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 will take place on three days – June 21, 23 and 25, 2022.