Tributes to Bob Crow

“The news of Bob Crow’s death is devastating to all those who knew him, and millions who didn’t. He was a warrior for the working class. He was a man of substance and principle, deeply rooted in the values that underpin the trade union movement.

Attacked by the right wing media, he never wavered, always seeking better working conditions for RMT members, creating hope and inspiration for all working people, locally, nationally and internationally.

His warmth, compassion and real understanding of the impact of austerity are a reflection of those he surrounded himself with – family, friends and comrades alike. Today is a significant day for the trade union movement and humanity as a whole. We will miss Bob, but for certain his principles will live on through the actions of trade unionists.”

Bianca Todd

“It is difficult to imagine the labour movement without Bob Crow. He was a stalwart at the early Stop the War marches and helped initiate countless campaigns. He was always the first port of call when we needed to take action – whether it was the Greece Solidarity Campaign or the Coalition of Resistance, where he spoke at its founding conference.

His call for a new party of labour at last year’s Durham Miners’ Gala was very important – he said, ‘The time for a new party of labour that fights as hard for the working class as the Tories fight for their class is now.’ We rededicate ourselves to the struggle in his honour.”

Andrew Burgin

“Another great comrade is struck down. Bob was a superb combatant for his members and against class and racist injustice. Often presented in the media as rough and uncaring, he was anything but, being personally very considerate to me.

To paraphrase Joe Hill, we should mourn and organise. Moreover, we must find a way to cherish our bravest leaders better.”

Paul Mackney

“It was with shock and sadness that all of us here at CND heard the news of Bob Crow’s passing. We offer our sincere condolences to Bob’s family, friends and colleagues.

Bob was a passionate trade unionist who fought tirelessly for his members: a man of courage and conviction. There are too few of his kind in British politics.

He was also a great and principled friend of the anti-nuclear movement, and fought alongside CND to oppose replacement of the Trident nuclear weapons system. His RMT anti-Trident resolution to the TUC Congress in 2006 began to turn the tide against replacement, which rapidly reached majority proportions across the country.

Bob described Trident as an ‘immoral’ and ‘scandalous waste of public funds’. In his inimitable style, he confronted the jobs issue around Trident head-on – a tricky issue for a trade union leader: ‘What about when we used to hang people? We had chief executioners – we had to diversify and find new jobs for them.’

Bob’s passing is a tragic loss for working people across the UK and for comrades in the trade union movement. He will be sorely missed.”

Kate Hudson