Mick Lynch, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) General Secretary, has announced his retirement whilst gloating that the union “defeated” Tory plans under his leadership.
The 63-year-old served in the RMT in many capacities over 30 years, most recently being elected General Secretary in 2021.
Lynch said that it has been a “privilege” to be a part of the RMT, but “now it time for change”.
“This union has been through a lot of struggles in recent years, and I believe that it has only made it stronger despite all the odds,” he said.
Mick Lynch speaking at a protestPAThe 63-year-old said: “This union has been through a lot of struggles in recent years, and I believe that it has only made it stronger despite all the odds.
“There has never been a more urgent need for a strong union for all transport and energy workers of all grades, but we can only maintain and build a robust organisation for these workers if there is renewal and change.
“We can all be proud that our union stood up against the wholesale attacks on the rail industry by the previous Tory government and the union defeated them.
“RMT will always need a new generation of workers to take up the fight for its members and for a fairer society for all and I am immensely proud to have been part of that struggle.”
Lynch will remain in post until a successor is appointed in May, the RMT said.
He was elected general secretary in 2021 having also served two terms as assistant general secretary and two on the RMT national executive committee.
Under Lynch’s leadership, the RMT waged years of strike action over pay and conditions which brought misery to commuters. The union finally accepted a deal with the new Labour government in summer 2024.
He first joined RMT in 1993 whilst working for Eurostar, where he “helped to build a strong branch organisation”.
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