Leadership of the RMT - Bob Crow, succeeded by Mick Cash (ongoing discussion)

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

RMT^▸ (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) union leader Bob Crow has told an inquiry into press standards the union has been the victim of "harassment" by journalists for the past 10 years.

Mr Crow said he understood why the media might object to strikes - but said it was not acceptable "to infringe on RMT staff's personal lives".

He had been followed and shouted at in the street, the Leveson Inquiry heard.

He had also been watched by private investigator Derek Webb on behalf of News International, Mr Crow said.

Describing a story in the Mail on Sunday in February 2003 - when Mr Crow was photographed being given a lift on his personal assistant's scooter when the Central Line on the Underground was closed - he said the timing of it was "strange".

"It was strange as I would normally get a bus; it was strange that at that moment a photographer was there to take a picture of me on a scooter," he said.

He said there was no proof his phone was hacked to get the information, but he was told by police that they are investigating whether his phone was targeted by a private investigator on behalf of a newspaper.

The information on the identification of the scooter rider was blagged from the DVLA^▸ (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) and given to the Mail on Sunday by private investigator Steve Whittamore, the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London heard.

Mr Crow also told the inquiry a Sun newspaper-branded bus blocked him on his way to work during a strike.

He said a man with a microphone stood on his feet and said: "What's it like not to get to go to work? You stopped people going to work this week so get a taste of your own medicine."

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers general secretary also described being put under surveillance in the Caribbean.

"Our trade union over the last 10 to 12 years has been the victim of victimisation, harassment... for standing up for good honest working men and working women," he said.

[JayMac]

Don't need to be a journalist to shout at Commie Bob in the street.....

.... I'd consider doing so. 

[bobm]

Just been reported by the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) that Bob Crow has died aged 52.

He has been mentioned many times here on the forum, and engendered some polarised views.

However he was also a father and family man - and thoughts must to go them at this time.

[Lee]

Early report - http://metro.co.uk/2014/03/11/rmt-union-leader-bob-crow-dies-4527066/

Edit to reflect topic merger - Lee

[LiskeardRich]

Sad news, he fought hard to get his members the best.

He was only speaking on Radio 4 yesterday.

[RichardB]

Very sad news.  Only 52 too - no age at all.

[LiskeardRich]

A fatal heart attack being reported by some media sources.

[JayMac]

Sad sad news. Someone with whom I would rarely agree, but nonetheless, a union leader who fought hard for his members. Always good copy in the press and media and he often sparked off lively debate here. Never dull. Thoughts are with his family.

[Lee]

Guardian article - http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/mar/11/bob-crow-dies-52-rmt-union-leader

[Lee]

A fatal heart attack being reported by some media sources.

Independent article reports this as being the case, amid reports that he may have been unwell for some time - http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bob-crow-dies-rmt-union-leader-dead-at-52-9183607.html

[Red Squirrel]

I too am sorry to hear that a man has died before his time. I think anyone with any humanity would feel that way.

Here is what Mr Crow said of a woman who had died recently:

"I won^t shed one single tear over her death. She destroyed the NHS and destroyed industry in this country and as far as I'm concerned she can rot in hell"

[bobm]

Indeed. However two wrongs don't make a right and you and I can rise above that.

[Red Squirrel]

We can indeed.

[TonyK]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page)

Union officials and members, politicians and members of the rail industry have been among those paying tribute to "admired and feared" RMT^▸ (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) union leader Bob Crow, who has died aged 52.

Many have expressed sorrow at the loss of a "fighter" and "defender of public safety".

Say what you like about the man, he certainly knew his own mind, and made sure everyone else did too. His untimely death will leave a big gap, at a time when a number of major negotiations are under way, not least about the Underground. Expect genuine expressions of sadness from both sides of the table.

[LiskeardRich]

Did we really need a third thread on the subject though?