Bob Crow RIP

[borders]

I appreciate this is not CWU news but I am so sad to hear this news. one man who fought tirelessly for the working class and his loss will be great. I met him once at The Tolpuddle Martyrs weekend in the Beer tent and after speaking with him , I wished there was many more people like him around. RIP BOB.....


Rail union leader Bob Crow has died, it has been announced.

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."

Mr Crow, who was 52, was one of the most high-profile, left-wing union leaders of his generation, sparking as much anger from passengers hit by rail and Tube strikes, as praise from his members for winning pay rises.

He was constantly involved in industrial disputes and campaigns and led a walkout by London Underground workers last month in a dispute over ticket office closures.

The straight-talking south Londoner was a passionate supporter of Millwall Football Club.

His death caused shockwaves in the trade union movement today.

Manuel Cortes, leader of the TSSA rail union, who stood on picket lines with Mr Crow during last month's Tube strike, said: "Bob Crow was admired by his members and feared by employers, which is exactly how he liked it.

"It was a privilege to campaign and fight alongside him because he never gave an inch."

UK Independence Party (Ukip) leader Nigel Farage tweeted: " Sad at the death of Bob Crow. I liked him and he also realised working-class people were having their chances damaged by the EU."

Mr Crow had been campaigning for the No2EU political party in May's European elections, arguing that workers were suffering because of policies from Europe.

In a statement, London Mayor Boris Johnson said: "I'm shocked. Bob Crow was a fighter and a man of character.

"Whatever our political differences, and there were many, this is tragic news.

"Bob fought tirelessly for his beliefs and for his members.

"There can be absolutely no doubt that he played a big part in the success of the Tube, and he shared my goal to make transport in London an even greater success.

"It's a sad day."

Sir Peter Hendy, London's Transport Commissioner, said: "We are shocked by this terribly sad and unexpected news. Our thoughts are with Bob Crow's family, friends and all those he represented."

Under Mr Crow's leadership, membership of the RMT increased by more than 20,000 to 80,000, embracing workers ranging from seafarers and rail staff to cleaners.

He spoke at rallies and meetings most weekends, and was always in demand to support campaigns.

He became a target of right-wing commentators, who criticised his militancy and involvement in disputes.

He even had to explain why he had gone on holiday in the run-up to last month's London Underground strike.

Labour leader Ed Miliband 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."

[Bahia Feliz]

RIP Bob Crow

[shepherdess]

RIP A sad loss

[apple]

my thoughts are with your family, RIP,

[Spartacus]

Condolences to family, friends and the trade unionists who stood with him.



Don't mourn, organize.

[Judgee]

Sad News indeed. Many a time I wished we had someone like him leading our union. He fought hard for his members and was damn good union boss. RIP Mr Crow.

[DirtyHarry]

Bob Crowe R.I.P.
Oh, how we could have done with having a superb leader like Bob most certainly was, these last 10-15 years.
Contrast the job of an RMT member, the terms and conditions of an RMT member, and how they have improved greatly over the last decade, with our experiences over the same time.
No comparison, we are losers, bigtime.

[newtimes]

RIP comrade, I heard him speak at a protest march years ago at Kirkcaldy, a great communicator. If he at be at the helm of CWU things would be much better for all of us.

[JaneM]

An inspiration to all of us who passionately believe in the good society where workers are fairly rewarded and treated with dignity and respect.RIP Comrade Bob.

[Straight4ward]

I'm going to miss him.

[mickeymacca]

Sad news.....RIP

[Danelectro]

R.I.P. Bob

[johnnyp]

Very sad news
RIP Bob Crowe

[ebbzie]

Sad News indeed. Many a time I wished we had someone like him leading our union. He fought hard for his members and was damn good union boss. RIP Mr Crow.

Couldn"t agree with you more. Very big loss

[philsdeals19]

Many a time I have said to my work colleagues if only we had Bob Crowe.
Rip Bob.A true legend