Bob Crow friend & champion of the unemployed has died

It's with great sadness that a friend & champion of the unemployed .... Bob Crow died early this morning.

RAIL, Maritime and Transport union leader Bob Crow died from a suspected heart attack.

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.”

All of us at Respect For the Unemployed & Benefit Claimants will miss his contribution to the debate on what kind of Britain we want & demand - a fitting tribute to Bob has to be educate, agitate, organise - we need to explain the importance of joining a trade union to those who have limited hope on the dole.

"The message to the unemployed has to be this ..... as soon as you gain employment, join a trade union - the fight against workfare, zero hours, poverty wages, & working conditions can only be improved & won if we stand together in unity - belonging to a trade union - NOW that would be a fitting tribute to our friend Bob Crow".   

A book of condolences for anyone wishing to leave a message has been arranged by the RMT Union.
The book will be kept open at Unity House for anyone wishing to sign, alternatively, please leave a message by visiting the website.

Rest in Peace comrade we'll miss you :'(

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.

Bob Crow,  out for a morning jog with his dog Castro

“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.”

Commenting on the news, TSSA's General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, 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.

"He was often underestimated by politicians, employers and the media because he stayed true to his working class roots. He was more than happy to be underestimated as long as he got the right results for his members.

"The news of his death is truly shocking and our thoughts and prayers today are with his partner Nicky and his familiy."

Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) Statement

Brendan Barber (former TUC General Secretary), now Chair of ACAS, said:

"I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Bob Crow's untimely death. He was one of trade unionism's larger than life characters, always battling with passion and energy for his members. His bluff exterior masked a shrewd and intelligent negotiator who actually won high respect from employers as well as deep loyalty and support from his members. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Bob Crow's final BBC interview

In an interview with Becky Milligan for BBC Radio 4's PM programme, broadcast on Monday, the late Bob Crow discusses his early life and sometimes stormy relationship with rightwing press - DOWNLOAD mp3 file here

Bob Crow: A life of commitment

The TUC and the British working class has lost one of our outstanding leaders, Bob Crow, the General Secretary of rail and maritime union RMT, who died this morning.

Bob was committed. Whether it was the internationalism he showed through the International Transport... Read full blog

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