Bob Crow RIP
Bob Crow, the leader of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, has died, aged 52.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union made the announcement “with the deepest regret”.
A brief statement said: “It is with the deepest regret that RMT has to confirm that our general secretary Bob Crow sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning.
“RMT would request that all media respect the privacy of the friends and family of Bob Crow at this distressing time.”
Responding to the news today (Tuesday) that the RMT General Secretary Bob Crow has died, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:
“This is shocking news. Bob was an outstanding trade unionist, who tirelessly fought for his members, his industry and the wider trade union movement.
“He was always a good friend and comrade to me. We will miss him, and our thoughts are with his family and the RMT at this difficult time.”
Ed Miliband statement following the death of Bob Crow
Ed Miliband MP, Leader of the Labour Party, said:
“Bob Crow was a major figure in the labour movement and was loved and deeply respected by his members.
“I didn’t always agree with him politically but I always respected his tireless commitment to fighting for the men and women in his union. He did what he was elected to do, was not afraid of controversy and was always out supporting his members across the country.
“He was a passionate defender of and campaigner for safe, affordable public transport and was a lifelong anti-fascist activist.
“My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues in the RMT and wider union movement at this difficult time.”
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Bob’s passing is very sad news and the thoughts of firefighters will be with his family. Bob was a good friend to me personally and to the Fire Brigades Union as a whole. He was a strong leader for the labour movement and he’ll be sorely missed by those who knew him.”
TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes tweeted: “Devastated to hear of Bob Crow’s untimely death. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the members of our sister union. RIP comrade!”
A statement from the TSSA said: “Tragic to hear of Bob Crow’s death. A great trade unionist. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and those he worked so hard to represent. He fought for his members with every fibre of his being. All rail workers are safer and more fairly treated due to his efforts. RIP.”
A statement from ASLEF said: “The death of Bob Crow is a great loss to his family, the industry and the movement. A devastating blow for all workers.”
NUT general secretary Christine Blower said: “Our thoughts are with Bob’s family and RMT members.”
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Bob Crow was the greatest trade union leader of his generation.”
UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: “He was a decent, hard-working man who has a friend to our members.”
A statement from Unite said: “Unite extends its deepest sympathies to Bob Crow’s family and all at the RMT and its members – we stand with you.”
GMB general secretary Paul Kenny said: “It is with the deepest sorrow and regret that we learned of Bob’s death. The lost for members of the RMT is immeasurable. They have lost their champion.
“The loss of to the trade union movement and to the cause of advancing the living standards of working people across the globe is devastating. Even people who didn’t like what he did agreed he did it very well. Our thoughts are with Bob’s family and the RMT. Bob’s strength, personal integrity and straight forward speaking won many battles for his members. He took his job very seriously and never stopped working. A giant of the labour movement. He is irreplaceable.”
A statement from PCS said Bob Crow was a “towering force in the trade union movement”. The union paid tribute to Bob as a tireless fighter for RMT members and working class people, who fearlessly refused to be dictated to by politicians and the media.
The RMT grew under his leadership and is now rightly recognised as one of the country’s most effective trade unions.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka, who sat on the TUC general council with Bob and shared many platforms, said: “We are all absolutely devastated by the news and send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
“Bob was a tireless fighter for RMT members and working class people and a towering force in the trade union movement.
“Bob was a great friend of PCS and never wavered in his support for us. Today we have lost a friend, a comrade and the greatest union leader of his generation.”
Usdaw general secretary John Hannett said: “We are shocked to hear the news that Bob passed away this morning and our thoughts are with his family. Bob was a passionate advocate for his members and he made a memorable contribution to our movement. He was a larger than life character who will be very much missed.”
UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said:
“I am shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Bob Crow. UNISON members will want to send their sympathy to his family and friends.
“Bob was a tough, no-nonsense union leader who always did his best for his members. And it was very much down to his tough stance that their pay and conditions improved.
“Despite all the flack he got, he stood his ground and was a great member of our trade union family. His loss will be felt across the whole trade union movement”.
UCATT mourns the death of Bob Crow
11 March 2014
UCATT is shocked and sad to hear about Bob Crow’s death in the early hours of today.
“Bob was a terrific Union leader who fought tirelessly for his members. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this most difficult time. Bob was a good friend of mine and UCATT”, said UCATT General Secretary Steve Murphy.
Bob Crow became the General Secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) in 2002 and was a key figure in the trade union movement.
Camden Trades Council 