The spirit of resistance

Abstract

Abstract:Mick Lynch is general secretary of the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) and has been leading the union through a difficult strike period since June 2022. Here he is in discussion with Gary Younge, a journalist, author and professor of sociology at the University of Manchester. Over a wideranging conversation they discuss Lynch's reasons for becoming a trade unionist, and why trade unions are so important; challenging the government's proposed draconian anti-trade union legislation as well as the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act; the need for broad alliances; class politics; Black Lives Matter; climate change; disability; the shift away from the Tories and towards resistance; public sector strikes; Keir Starmer's leadership; how to win the next general election for Labour; and Lynch's primary duty as general secretary of the RMT to get a deal for RMT members.