EDDIE DEMPSEY has been elected unopposed as general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport workers’ union (RMT), commencing tomorrow.

He previously served as the union’s senior assistant general secretary and has been a leading figure in the union’s campaigns for fair pay, job security and better conditions for rail and maritime workers.

Taking over from crusading trade unionist Mick Lynch, Mr Dempsey has pledged to continue RMT’s tradition of industrial strength and tough negotiation to protect members’ interests.