RMT’s Mick Lynch Steps Down: End of an Era for Britain’s Most Prominent Union Leader

In a significant development for British trade unionism, Mick Lynch, the general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), has announced his retirement at the age of 63. The announcement marks the end of a remarkable tenure that saw him emerge as one of the UK’s most influential union leaders in recent history.

Lynch, who has served as the RMT’s general secretary since 2021, will remain in his position until May 2025, when union members will elect his successor. His leadership has been marked by significant industrial actions, most notably orchestrating some of the biggest rail strikes in British history during 2022 and 2023, before successfully negotiating a deal with the current Labour government in the summer of 2024.

The journey to union leadership began far from the corridors of power. Lynch’s career started at age 16 when he trained as an electrician in the construction industry. His early career was significantly impacted when he was illegally blacklisted for union membership, an experience that would shape his future dedication to workers’ rights. This setback led him to co-found the Electrical and Plumbing Industries Union (EPIU) in 1988, demonstrating his early commitment to organized labor.

His association with the RMT began in 1993 when he joined while working for Eurostar. Over the next three decades, Lynch would serve in various capacities, including two terms as assistant general secretary and two terms on the union’s national executive committee, before ascending to the top position. His rise to general secretary came during a particularly turbulent period for the union, following the retirement of his predecessor Mick Cash, who had stepped down citing a “campaign of harassment”.

Lynch’s tenure as general secretary was marked by his distinctive leadership style and significant achievements. Known for his no-nonsense, straight-talking approach, he became a prominent figure in British public life. While his £84,000 salary and the disruption caused by industrial actions drew criticism, his unwavering advocacy for workers’ rights and improved conditions earned him widespread respect.

In announcing his retirement, Lynch reflected on his journey with characteristic frankness: “It has been a privilege to serve this union for over 30 years in all capacities, but now it is time for change”. He emphasized the ongoing importance of strong union representation, noting that “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”.

Looking ahead, Lynch stressed the critical need for renewal within the union movement: “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”. The RMT’s national executive committee has outlined plans for selecting a new general secretary, with the election process scheduled to conclude in early May 2025.