UNITY in purpose and action are essential if transport workers are to repulse the massive attacks facing them, newly elected RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said today.

Speaking at his first members’ meeting since being elected general secretary, Mr Lynch told the union’s Paddington No 1 branch that the industry was facing a concerted onslaught from ministers and employers under cover of coronavirus.

Mr Lynch said: “They want to attack everything we have built up over the decades: our pay, our conditions and our pensions — everything is in their crosshairs, and they are using Covid as a smokescreen for their attack.

“They are deliberately overplaying the fall in passenger numbers and behind the smokescreen is a drastic agenda.

“They will say we have too much holiday, we’re featherbedded with pensions, there are too many restrictive practices and too much red tape.”

The industry was facing “the most dangerous period since privatisation,” and RMT members — and the entire labour movement — must be prepared for the battles ahead, “and our unity is absolutely essential,” he said.

At the same online meeting, regional organiser Eddie Dempsey launched his bid to become the union’s assistant general secretary, the position left vacant by Mr Lynch.

Branch secretary and train driver Alex Gordon also declared that he is seeking election for what would be his second three-year stint as RMT president.

The Morning Star will carry an interview with Mick Lynch next week.