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.

Mr Lynch, who has led RMT through its successful national dispute, said: “It has been an honour to serve as RMT general secretary, representing our members in their struggles for better pay, terms and conditions.

“Eddie Dempsey is a committed trade unionist who has played a pivotal role in our union’s recent successes.

“He has the experience, determination and leadership qualities to take RMT forward, and I have every confidence that he will continue to stand up for our members with strength and resolve.”

Mr Dempsey, who originally joined the railway in 2008 and has worked as station staff and a train driver, said: “I am honoured to be elected as RMT general secretary.

“Our union has a proud history of standing up for working people, and I will ensure that continues.

“The challenges ahead are significant, but we will meet them with the same unity, strength, and determination that defines the RMT.

“I want to pay tribute to Mick Lynch for his leadership and dedication to our members — he has set a high bar, and I will do my utmost to build on his legacy.”

RMT’s sister unions congratulated Mr Dempsey today.

A spokesperson for Aslef said: “We congratulate Eddie Dempsey on his new role as general secretary of the RMT.

“As the trade union which represents 96 per cent of the train drivers in England, Scotland, and Wales, we look forward to working with the RMT, which represents platform staff and other grades on our railway network, in rebuilding Britain’s railway as it comes back into the public sector — where it belongs.”

TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust offered further congratulations and said: “I look forward to working with Eddie for the benefit of all transport workers.”