What does RMT stand for? Meaning explained
RMT has launched three days of national strike action across the railway network this June.
But what does RMT stand for and what do they do?
What does RMT mean?
RMT stands for The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers.
It is a British trade union covering the transport sector – from the mainline and underground railways, shipping and offshore, buses and road freight.
It is currently presided by Alex Gordon and its current general secretary, Mick Lynch.
RMT is one of the fastest-growing trade unions in Britain with memberships increasing from 57,000 in 2002 to 83,000 in the UK, Ireland and the Crown Dependencies.
What do RMT do?
According to the RMT , it states: ” We negotiate with over 150 transport-sector companies – using every opportunity to drive home our positive agenda for better pay, shorter hours and safer working conditions.
“RMT members can rely on their union to protect and promote their interests in the workplace.”
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When are the RMT strikes?
The national rail strike will take place on three days – June 21, 23 and 25.
On Tuesday, the first day of the strikes, there are expected to be around 50,000 workers who will walk out across Network Rail, 13 train companies and the London Underground.
On Thursday and Saturday, no London Underground strikes will occur but there is expected to be 40,000 workers absent from their jobs across rail operators.
The strike comes after Network Rail and train operating companies are putting staff on pay freezes and plan to cut thousands of jobs.
RMT claims these cuts will make the railways unsafe.
There have been many talks between the union and organisation to secure a pay proposal or guarantee no compulsory redundancies, but they have all been unsuccessful.
Head of union, Michael Lynch insisted that they “don’t want to cause misery” as they announced the biggest rail strike in 33 years.
He said: “We’ve got a cost of living crisis and our workers have been working throughout the pandemic and their reward has been a pay freeze.
“I understand the anger of people – but I also understand the anger of our workers.
“We’re not holding the public hostage – but we’re not going to accept the poverty of our members.
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“I would like to find another way other than strike but we’ve been talking to these companies for two years.
“You’re asking us to be passive in the face of aggression.”