July 29th 2023.
The RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) is one of the unions at the centre of the ongoing train strikes, which have had a major impact over the past year, causing disruption for millions of commuters and travellers.
But what does RMT stand for, and when was it founded?
The RMT represents the interests of workers across the whole of the transport industry in the UK, with almost 83,000 members from various sectors – from mainline and underground railway networks to buses, road freight, shipping and offshore workers.
Their main concern is securing the best for workers within the transport industry – ensuring fair pay, safe working conditions and shorter hours.
The RMT was formed on 10th September 1990 when two other unions, ‘The National Union of Railwaymen’ and ‘The National Union of Seamen’, were merged.
Both of the Unions have long, historic and proud traditions, within their own rights, going back to the turn of the century.
They have regional offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Doncaster, Glasgow, Liverpool, London and Southampton, as well as smaller offices in Aberdeen, Dover and South Shields.
The RMT is currently led by Alex Gordon, who has been president since 2021, and Mick Lynch, who was elected general secretary in 2021 and will serve a five-year term which runs until May 3 2026.
Mick Lynch is often seen on the picket line on strike days and has accused the government of prolonging the strikes for political reasons.
The RMT and Aslef are two of the unions leading the dispute, and the long-term ramifications of the industrial action could drag on for five years if negotiations between unions and rail companies remain deadlocked.
It has been a difficult year for many, but the RMT is determined to continue to fight for the best interests of their members and the industry as a whole.
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