27 June 2023
RMT Press Office:
In his annual address to RMT AGM, general secretary Mick Lynch said:
"The RMT is sound, robust and in good shape to meet the challenges ahead.
"However, we cannot be complacent because the challenges are significant.
"With the ongoing threat of job cuts, and members who are suffering in this cost-of-living crisis, we have a government intent on deliberately creating an economic recession.
"We need the right strategies and systems so we deliver an effective political and industrial punch when required.
"We have a high profile, not just in the labour movement but in society as well.
"Not everyone likes us, but we are widely respected and that gives our members an advantage in their workplaces.
"When I spoke last year, we had embarked on one of the biggest waves of industrial action in our union's history, with 53,000 members across Network Rail, the 14 train operators and London Underground all involved.
"That is 65 percent of our membership taking action all at once. Some have said the RMT has revived the trade union movement, putting our values and our politics back into the mainstream in this country. We can all be proud of that.
"Even though we have not sought a leadership role, by the actions of our members , we have led the labour movement. We are the most active and high-profile union in the country. Where we lead, others follow.
"We have repeatedly smashed trade union ballot thresholds, and we continue to use new organising techniques to achieve that which has confounded the employers and government.
"They thought this time last year that the public would hate us and that we would be out of this fight quickly.
"We are not giving up on this struggle. Our members remain committed to the action we will be taking, and they remain committed to our campaign.
"In our continuing dispute with the train operators, we won't take lectures from unelected Prime Ministers and millionaire politicians and employers about balloting our members.
"These are the same people who are accountable to no one and have wreaked havoc on our railways in places like Avanti and TPE.
"The reason we are still in this dispute, is because they want to end our strike mandate before we had even started discussing the changes they want to make.
"We have achieved much, removing the threat of driver only operation from the proposals and no ticket office has closed. There have been no cuts to catering or fleet engineering. And no compulsory redundancies.
"However, they remain intent on butchering our railway system. They are intent on butchering our railway jobs and that's why we need to re-double our commitment and stand up and fight until we get the result we deserve.
"Where we have made progress industrially on our objectives such as in Wales and Scotland, we have not had the Tories calling the shots. We haven't had to face the ideological hatred of trade unions from the governments there.
"RMT will remain unaffiliated to any political party, but we will be fully engaged and involved in politics.
"It is fully clear that is in our class interest and the direct interests of our members to get rid of this Tory government and replace it with a Labour government.
"It will be Tory or Labour - that is the simple truth. It would be a catastrophe for our industry, our members and our class if the Tories got in again.
"And it is my view that we have to do everything within our power to make sure the Tories are not in government at the next general election. Imagine, how you will feel when you wake up on that election morning for your super early shift, and you find out they are back in again. That will be the worst ground hog day you have ever experienced during your service in transport.
"The Tories are vicious in the pursuit of their class interests, and we have to be strong in response.
"The trade unions must now in this time and under a new government exert themselves as an independent working-class movement.
"And we will put every politician whether they are in Scotland Wales the councils and the mayors, wherever they are, under extreme pressure.
"You can't cosy up to them and hope they will do you a favour.
"We have used the last year to present a different vision for transport. Bus road and maritime and rail - run in the benefit of the passengers and the workers.
"That is our vision, and we must always fight for it.
"November this year is the 30th anniversary of the legislation that privatised our railways.
"It is our efforts that have ensured that policies of nationalisation are incredibly popular, with the people of Britain.
"We are fighting to win today's industrial and political battles in order to win a better tomorrow for our people and for all workers.
"We remain committed to our traditional values of solidarity and equality - of peace and unity - for socialism and a better world for all. Let's stick together in the face of any challenge and build our union - strong, diverse and unified.
"Let's go forward unafraid and able to put up a fight because that gives us the opportunity to win."
END
PHOTO: Credit Julian Brown.
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