Reacting to news of the death of Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said:
"Bob was a good friend to me personally, and his passing is very sad news. He was also a great friend to the Fire Brigades Union as a whole, sharing a similar outlook on many issues facing our movement. Many of our members come from similar backgrounds, and over the years he attended many of our marches and rallies, always proving an extremely popular speaker.
"Bob was an outstanding leader for the labour movement and the best known trade unionist of his generation. He was a fighter of unbending principle who would not compromise on the fight to secure the dignity and respect that he felt was the right of every working man and woman. During a time when socialist ideas have been dumped by many, he proudly stuck to the idea that society could be organised in a different way. It’s been fascinating watching the platitudes rain down from his political opponents. Knowing Bob, he would have no doubt found it hilarious. But nobody would dare question that the lives of his union’s members were far better as a result of his tireless campaigning — or that the transport system benefited from his knowledge and passion. His life's work was a reminder that workers don't have to accept being pushed around by the bosses. Our side can fight back — and can win. We are proud to share that vision."
The text of this article originally featured as a letter to The Evening Standard newspaper in London.
