Mick Lynch has paid tribute to his successor at the RMT Eddie Dempsey, as the latter is set to take over leadership of the union. Meanwhile, in a sign that Dempsey is a good choice, the right-wing media has lost its collective mind over the appointment.
Eddie Dempsey taking over from Mick Lynch at the RMT
The National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT) has confirmed that Eddie Dempsey has been elected unopposed as its new general secretary.
He previously served as RMT’s Senior Assistant General Secretary, and will take over from Mick Lynch on Friday 7 March.
Dempsey has been a leading figure in the union’s campaigns for fair pay, job security, and better conditions for transport and maritime workers.
He has pledged to continue RMT’s tradition of industrial strength and tough negotiation to protect members’ interests.
He originally joined the railway in 2008 and has worked as station staff and a train driver.
Outgoing general secretary Mick Lynch, who has led RMT through the successful national dispute, welcomed Dempsey’s election and expressed confidence in his leadership.
Mick Lynch said:
“It has been an honour to serve as RMT General Secretary, representing our members in their struggles for better pay terms and conditions. Eddie Dempsey is a committed trade unionist who has played a pivotal role in our union’s recent successes.
“He has the experience, determination, and leadership qualities to take RMT forward, and I have every confidence that he will continue to stand up for our members with strength and resolve”.
The right are already running scared
New general secretary Eddie Dempsey said:
“I am honoured to be elected as RMT General Secretary.
“Our union has a proud history of standing up for working people, and I will ensure that continues. The challenges ahead are significant, but we will meet them with the same unity, strength, and determination that defines RMT.
“I want to pay tribute to Mick Lynch for his leadership and dedication to our members – he has set a high bar, and I will do my utmost to build on his legacy”.
And if you want a measure of how politicians and the rich are reacting to the news of Dempsey’s election – look no further than the Telegraph. It noted that:
Eddie Dempsey… [is] a longstanding ideologue of the hard-Left, who critics fear will push the agenda of the RMT into further strikes – and even into more broader anti-government action across the trade union movement.
Sounds good to us.
Featured image via the Canary
