Fate hanging in balance of top union boss who pushed Starmer over workers’ rights

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Matt Wrack, who has led the Fire Brigades Union for two decades, is now seen as the last of “the awkward squad” generation who helped turn around the trade union movement, following last week’s announcement of the retirement of Mick Lynch as head the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers. open image in gallery Current Fire Brigade Union general secretary Matt Wrack Rating his chances in the election, Mr Wrack said: “My expectation is it close, and I think one of the problems with union elections is the postal ballot system, where tends to be low - and I think that will favour the other side.” One of the issues at play is his own legacy in the trade union movement. In particular, as Trade Union Congress president last year, Mr Wrack led the delegation thought to have stopped Sir Keir and Labour from backing down on the plans for a workers’ rights package. open image in gallery Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer came under pressure from unions over the workers’ rights bill Mr Wrack said he is “proud” of his achievement in helping to secure the package of rights, although admitted that “it was not a solo effort”.