Retiring RMT boss Mick Lynch has inspired both rage and veneration among sections of the public for his campaigning for rail workers.
Commuters have often been left apoplectic by waves of strikes on Britain’s rail network led by Lynch, the General Secretary of Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), as he battled rail operators and ministers for improved terms.
Others regard him as a hero for the workers’ movement, marvelling at his communication skills and ability to dismantle MPs on the airwaves.
But when he’s not braving the cold with union members on the picket line, the self-delcared socialist enjoys a sizeable salary and a four-bedroom terraced house, MailOnline reports.
The outlet reported back in July 2022 that Lynch had a salary of £84,174, with his total remuneration reportedly rising to around £120,000 when taking into account other benefits, including pension contributions.
At the time, Lynch reportedly lived four-bedroom terraced house in Ealing worth almost seven figures, having bought it in 2008 for less than £400k, according to the outlet.
General Secretary’s basic wage of £105,218 was reduced by 20% to £84,174, according to the RMT AGM report in 2021, The Sun previously reported.
According to the report, Lynch suggested the wage reduction himself following his election.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, January 6, 2023, the RMT stressed his salary is “decided by his members”.
“When he was elected he suggested to his members that he should take a pay cut. They agreed,” it added.
“He doesn’t get any ‘bonuses’. He donates his salary on strike days to the dispute hardship fund. Let’s hope this sinks in.”
Lynch is from Paddington in central London, where he grew up on a council estate with four other siblings.
He has three children with his with his wife Mary, an NHS nurse.
On Thursday, Lynch announced he would be retiring as head of the union. In statement he said he felt incredibly proud to have served the union both as a rank-and-file member and elected officer.
Mr Lynch, 63, added: “It has been a privilege to serve this union for over 30 years in all capacities, but now it is time for change.
“This union has been through a lot of struggles in recent years and I believe it has only made it stronger despite all the odds.
“There has never been a more urgent need for a strong union for all transport and energy workers of all grades, but we can only maintain and build a robust organisation for these workers if there is renewal and change.”
He said all members can be be proud the union stood up against wholesale attacks on the rail industry by the previous government andm that “the union defeated them”.
The firebrand leader added: “RMT will always need a new generation of workers to take up the fight for its members and for a fairer society for all and I am immensely proud to have been part of that struggle.”
The RMT said the search for a new General Secretary will conclude in the first week of May, with Mr Lynch remaining at the helm until his successor is chosen.