11.03.14
RMT leader Bob Crow dies
Bob Crow, the leader of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), died overnight.
He led the union since 2002. In a statement, it 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."
Crow was widely seen as a successful union leader, winning big improvements in pay and condition for his members – though his critics disliked his socialist politics and the frequency with which his members took strike action.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who was frequently at loggerheads with Crow over Tube strikes, 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."
Former mayor of London Ken Livingstone told Sky News: "He fought really hard for his members. The only working-class people who still have well-paid jobs in London are his members."
Martin Griffiths, chairman of the Rail Delivery Group, which speaks on behalf of the rail industry, said: “Bob Crow was rightly recognised as one of the rail industry’s most passionate voices, who championed the crucial role played by staff in delivering a safe service to passengers. The whole industry will be shocked and saddened to hear of his untimely death. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this sad time.”
His fellow rail union leaders have also paid tribute to Crow. Manuel Cortes, leader of the TSSA, 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."
Mick Whelan, general secretary of the train drivers' union Aslef, said: "This is a sad day not just for the RMT and the rail industry but for the trade union and labour movement. It's a tragedy that he was taken from us at such a young age. Bob always did his best for his members, and the industry in which he worked. Our thoughts, at this sad time, are with his family and all his colleagues in the trade union movement."
Some of the reaction to the news on social media can be seen below: