Train strikes: Mick Lynch and Eddie Dempsey to speak at rally at Clapham Grand ahead of RMT strike

RMT union leaders Mick Lynch and Eddie Dempsey will address a cost of living rally in south London this evening ahead of the train strikes later this week.

The event at the Clapham Grand organised by the new campaign group ‘Enough is Enough’ will kick off a series of 50 rallies across the UK.

The group founded by trade unions and community organisations aims to fight the cost of living crisis.

This evening’s (Wednesday August 17) speakers will include Dave Ward, the general secretary of the Communication Workers Union, housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa, children’s author Michael Rosen and Mick Lynch and Eddie Dempsey from the RMT.

Enough is Enough is also calling for a “real” pay rise for workers which it defines as a public sector pay increase in line with inflation and a pathway to a £15 minimum wage.

The current minimum wage rate for adults aged 23 and over is £9.50.

It also wants the government to end food poverty by introducing free school meals for all and reinstating the £20-a-week universal credit uplift.

The campaign group is also calling for this autumn’s energy price cap increase to be cancelled as soaring bills push household finances to the brink.

“Working people are seeing how a tiny elite want to make their lives all about working harder and longer for less,” said Dave Ward

“Now that same elite is profiteering from a cost of living crisis that will drive millions into poverty with sky-high bills. Things can’t go on like this: it’s time to say enough is enough.”

The rally at The Clapham Grand this evening starts at 7pm. Advanced tickets are sold out but a limited number of tickets will be available at the door.