Rail workers’ union leader Mick Lynch will address the crowds at the forthcoming Durham Miners’ Gala.

The Big Meeting organisers, the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA), has confirmed the RMT general secretary has been added to the list of platform speakers at the 136th gala, on Saturday July 9.

Mr Lynch has been prominent in the national media in recent weeks amid the strike action by RMT members over pay, plus feared changes to work practices and possible job cuts which may affect many of his members.

The Northern Echo: Crowds follow the banner parade on New Elvet, Durham, at the last Big Meeting staged, in 2019 Picture: DMA Crowds follow the banner parade on New Elvet, Durham, at the last Big Meeting staged, in 2019 Picture: DMA

He has received wide acclaim for his leadership and media performances in defence of the RMT membership, but in other quarters he has come in for criticism over the effects of the strike action on the travelling public

DMA secretary Alan Mardghum said: “The DMA stands in solidarity with the RMT and its members.

“We are delighted that Mick will be with us when the Gala returns.

“We know he’ll receive a great reception at The Big Meeting.”

Mr Lynch said: “It is a great honour to speak at the Durham Miners’ Gala.

“It is the biggest and best event in the trade union calendar and a source of strength and inspiration for us all.”

The Northern Echo: Alan Mardghum, secretary of Durham Miners' Gala organisers, the Durham Miners' Association (DMA) Picture: THE DMA Alan Mardghum, secretary of Durham Miners' Gala organisers, the Durham Miners' Association (DMA) Picture: THE DMA

This year’s Big Meeting, the first for two years due to the Covid restrictions, is dedicated to all key workers, those who risked their lives to keep society functioning during the pandemic.

Read more: Durham Miners' Gala returns after two-year Covid break

Key workers representing numerous sectors will be the guests of honour of the DMA, taking pride of place on the famous balcony of the County Hotel, in Old Elvet, Durham, and on the speakers’ platform, on the city’s Racecourse Ground.

Two rank and file key workers will speak from the platform alongside the leaders of trade unions representing key workers.

Other speakers already announced are Christina McAnea, of Unison, Sharon Graham, of Unite, Patrick Roach, from the teaching union NASUWT, and Jo Grady, of the further and higher education union UCU, as well as Yvette Williams, on behalf of the Justice 4 Grenfell campaign.

The DMA plans to announce soon who will be the two rank and file key workers selected to also speak from the platform.

Speeches on the Racecourse get underway at 1pm.

Prior to the pandemic only national strikes and two world wars had prevented the gala from going ahead since its inception, in 1871.

More than 200,000 people are expected to converge on Durham for its return.

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