Mick Lynch, the union boss of Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT), has urged Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to demonstrate his alignment “with the people” ahead of the next general election.
In a recent interview, Lynch criticised both Sir Keir and the Labour Party while discussing the potential duration of railway strikes. He acknowledged that despite the disruptions caused by industrial action, most people recognise that RMT members hold a distinct perspective that opposition politicians have failed to represent adequately. He lamented the lack of differentiation between Labour and the Conservatives, blaming the political class for ignoring the struggles faced by working people in the current cost of living crisis.
Lynch asserted that Starmer needs to exhibit clear support for working people and progressive politics, which he believes has been lacking thus far. He mentioned that the Labour leader has outlined five missions but claims they remain largely unknown to the public. Lynch called for a stronger focus on workers’ rights, the NHS, housing affordability, council housing, rent control, and addressing social imbalances.
Expressing disappointment in Starmer’s avoidance of mentioning socialism, Lynch acknowledged that the Labour leader has the potential to stand with the people but emphasised the need for him to demonstrate this commitment before the election.
When questioned about when the RMT would end strike action, Lynch stated that they would continue until they reach a satisfactory agreement. He expressed the union’s desire to avoid strikes and instead negotiate with London Transport and the National Railway for an agreement that their members can support in a referendum.
In response, Sir Keir, in a separate interview with Laura Kuenssberg from the BBC, asserted that he would handle public sector pay disputes and negotiations with doctors differently if he were prime minister. He emphasised his commitment to being a reformer and argued that investing in public services is contingent on growing the economy. He also shrugged off concerns about being labelled a “fiscal Conservative” due to his policy stance.
Who actually trusts Starmer to do anything for anyone apart from his Establishment handlers?
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