Mick Lynch, one of the UK’s most influential union leaders in recent history, has announced his retirement.
Mr Lynch is stepping down as head of the RMT (Rail Maritime and Transport Workers) union at the age of 63.
He has been its general secretary since 2021.
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Under his leadership, the union waged years of strike action over wages and working conditions. before accepting a deal with the new Labor government this summer.
RMT members’ rail strikes were part of the wave of industrial action that made 2022 a difficult time. the greatest number of strike days since 1989.
Walkouts started in June 2022 and was not officially concluded until September 2024.
“It has been a privilege to serve this union for more than 30 years at every level, but now is the time for change,” Lynch said.
He will remain in the role until a successor is named in May, the RMT said.
Why is he retiring?
No reason was given for his departure, but Mr Lynch said there was a need to change and recruit new workers.
“It has never been more urgent to have a strong union for all transportation and energy workers at all levels, but we can only maintain and build a strong organization for these workers if there is renewal and change,” he said.
“The RMT will always need a new generation of workers to take up the fight for its members and for a fairer society for all.”
A career as an organizer
Mr Lynch joined the RMT in 1993 after starting work for Eurostar. Before being elected general secretary to head the organization, he worked as deputy general secretary for two terms and as director of the union’s national executive committee, also for two terms.
As a qualified electrician, Mr Lynch helped establish the Electrical and Sanitary Industries Union (EPIU) in 1988, before working for Eurostar and joining the RMT.
He had worked in construction and was blacklisted for joining a union.
“This union has been through a lot of struggles over the past few years, and I believe that has only made it stronger despite all the obstacles,” Mr. Lynch said.