The leader of Britain’s biggest rail union has died after suffering an apparent heart attack early yesterday morning.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow was one of the most high-profile, left-wing union leaders of his generation, provoking as much anger from passengers hit by rail and Tube strikes as he did 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 row over ticket office closures.
Mr Crow’s death at the age of 52 shocked fellow union leaders – but such was his stature that tributes flooded in from his political adversaries as well.
The GMB union’s general secretary, Paul Kenny, expressed his “deepest sorrow”, adding that the RMT had lost its “champion”.
“Even people who didn’t like what he did agreed he did it very well,” he said. “Our thoughts are with Bob’s family and the RMT.
“Bob’s strength, personal integrity and straightforward 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.”
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.”
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.”
Sir Brian Souter, chairman of transport group Stagecoach, said: “Bob Crow was a passionate advocate for the railway. He worked tirelessly on behalf of his members and shared our focus on the critical importance of safety.
“His views on transport policy may often have been at odds with our own, but he was a man who commanded respect across the sector for his strength of belief in the causes he pursued. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”