Bob Crow (right) talks to London mayor Boris Johnson on the phone during last month’s Tube strike (Picture: PA)

RMT union leader Bob Crow has died aged 52, it has been announced.

‘It is with the deepest regret that RMT has to confirm that our general secretary Bob Crow sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning,’ a statement said.

‘The union’s offices will be closed for the rest of the day and the union will make further announcements in due course. The media have been asked to respect the privacy of Bob’s friends and family at this difficult and distressing time.’

There were no details immediately available about his manner of death.


More: Tributes pour in for Bob Crow



Former London mayor Ken Livingstone spoke of his shock at the news.

‘I assumed he would be at my funeral not me at his,’ he told Sky News.

‘He fought really hard for his members. The only working-class people who still have well-paid jobs in London are his members.’

We're gutted by news that @RMTunion leader Bob Crow has died. Devastating loss to the movement and thoughts with his friends and family. — PCS Union (@pcs_union) March 11, 2014

Bob Crow was a great leader he will missed by workers of the world.Condolences to his family and friends. — Billy Hayes (@BillyHayes_CWU) March 11, 2014

Devastated at news of Bob Crowe's death. Great Trade Unionist,Railway worker and leader of RMT. Very sad, all sympathy to family and Union. — Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) March 11, 2014

RT @CWUcampaigns: RIP Brother Crow, a leader of the movement in more sense than one. @CWUnews — CWUnews (@CWUnews) March 11, 2014

Very sad news about Bob Crow – RIP a union leader who did the best for his members — UNISON Press Team (@UNISONPress1) March 11, 2014