Ed Miliband on Bob Crow “a major figure in the labour movement…loved and deeply respected by his members”

Reacting to the shock passing of RMT General Secretary Bob Crow today at just 52, Ed Miliband released the following statement:

“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.”

Update: TSSA General Secretary Manuel Cortes – whose union the TSSA has closed today as a mark of respect to their sister union – released the following statement:

“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.‬
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“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 family.

The news has been met with a degree of shock by many within our union. As a mark of respect to Bob’s family and to our sister union RMT, all TSSA offices will close at 12 noon today, Tuesday 11 March, until 8am on Wednesday 12 March 2014.”

Cortes also remarked:

“I am absolutely devastated to hear of Bob’s untimely death. My thoughts are with his family, friends and our sisters and brothers within the RMT. RIP comrade.”​

Update: Len McCluskey has released a statement on Crow, the Unite General Secretary called him a “highly successful fighter for the interests of his members and for working people as a whole”:

“Everyone at Unite sends their heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family and to all the members of the RMT.  Bob was a life-long, and highly successful fighter for the interests of his members and for working people as a whole.  I am sure that is the only epitaph he would have wanted.”