RMT statement of support for Labour Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell

Responding to Owen Smith’s comments that he had never heard John McDonnell lead on workers rights, RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“When John was Chair of the RMT Parliamentary Group he was at the forefront of championing the rights of RMT members.
 
And John has been a stalwart for the wider Trade Union and Labour Movement as well. In 2008 he led  the parliamentary campaign to amend the Employment Bill to introduce fairer arrangements for industrial action.
 
In 2010 John came top of the Private Members Bill ballot and used this to seek to get the Lawful Industrial Action Bill through parliament which would have massively benefited workers.    Owen was an MP at that time and so he will know this.
 
And John does not just talk the talk, he walks the walk, which is why you will see John on the  picket lines. John has over many years consistently provided leadership on workers rights and always will.     

> RMT National News

Wednesday, 25th March
Transport union RMT, has backed calls from a cross-party Greater London Authority (GLA) Committee criticising the Government’s failure to strengthen legal protections for public transport workers in the Crime and Policing Bill, which completes its passage through the House of Lords today.
Wednesday, 18th March
Tube union RMT, have suspended strikes this month following progress in talks with London Underground management.
Monday, 16th March
Maritime union RMT has warned more must be done to protect seafarers and prevent another corporate scandal, four years after P&O Ferries unlawfully sacked 800 workers and replaced them with agency labour.
Sunday, 15th March
RAIL union RMT activists will gather in Leeds on Monday March 16, 2026 at 1145am outside the meeting of Transport for the North’s Board at the Queen’s Hotel in Leeds, New Station Street City Square, Leeds LS1 1PJ.
Thursday, 12th March
Violent attacks and aggression against transport workers across the capital is increasing and Transport for London (TfL) must take urgent action to protect staff and passengers, RMT has demanded, ahead of a work-related violence summit.