Ryan FowlerMichael Lynch, general secretary of the RMT union, has confirmed his retirement at the age of 63, bringing to an end a career spanning more than three decades in the trade union movement. Lynch, who was elected general secretary in 2021, also served two terms as assistant general secretary and two terms on the union’s national executive committee executive.
Lynch began his career as a qualified electrician, working in construction before being illegally blacklisted for joining a union. He played a key role in establishing the Electrical and Plumbing Industries Union (EPIU) in 1988 after the EETPU was expelled from the TUC. He later joined RMT in 1993 while working for Eurostar, where he was instrumental in building a strong branch organisation.
Reflecting on his time with RMT, Lynch said: “It has been a privilege to serve this union for over 30 years in all capacities, but now it is time for change.” He added: “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.”
Lynch highlighted the importance of union renewal, stating: “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.”
Under his leadership, the union played a key role in resisting attacks on the rail industry. “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.”
Lynch concluded, “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’s departure marks the end of an era for RMT, as the union begins the process of electing a new general secretary.
