Tributes are flooding in from across Manchester after union leader Bob Crow died of a suspected heart attack this morning.
Rail, Maritime and Transport union leader Mr Crow, 52, was one of the most high-profile, left-wing union leaders of his generation.
He fought for many years to help passengers hit by rail and tube strikes as well as winning pay rises for union members.
Political, industry and union figures have since paid tribute to Crow, who died early this morning from a suspected heart attack.
The avid Millwall supporter died at Whipps Cross Hospital, in London, despite doctors spending an hour trying to save him.
Manchester Trade Union Council (MTUC) president Annette Wright said: “Bob Crow was a working class trade union leader who was an inspiration to me.
“He provided leadership to his members through his personality, his knowledge of his industry and his understanding of the balance of forces between his members and their employers.
“His death is a huge loss to the union movement and our task now is to follow his example and fight for the type of gains he was able to achieve with RMT members.”
Mr Crow was constantly involved in industrial disputes and campaigns and led a walkout by London Underground workers last month in a dispute over ticket office closures.
During his time in office Mr Crow recorded victories in many key battles and his death is a great loss to the union movement.
MTUC Secretary Alex Davidson said: “All trade unionists will be deeply saddened to learn of the untimely death of Bob Crow.
“At a time when the trade union movement seemed to be on the retreat everywhere he provided inspiration to many of us looking to organise a fight back against unremittingly hostile employers.
“Whilst his death is one which every trade unionist will mourn the test of every union leader is whether their legacy survives them and Bob Crow’s certainly will live on with every trade unionist inspired by his example.”
Image courtesy of Justin Sneddon, with thanks.
