SCOTLAND HONOURS BOB CROW

T he Scottish Regional Council unveiled two memorial plaques in memory of former RMT general secretary recently which will be a permanent feature in the regional offices in Aberdeen and Glasgow. The event took place at the Scottish TUC headquarters with some 60 branch representatives attending, along with national officials and executive committee members, retired members, administrative staff and our solicitors, along with Bob’s family. Scottish political officer Phil McGarry read out letters of support from around the world and others who were unable to attend and placed on record everyone’s appreciation to the regional council for organising a worthy tribute. RMT Parliamentary Group Convenor Elaine Smith MSP spoke about Bob’s commitment to set up the RMT group at Holyrood and came along to launch personally. “Bob was one of the most outstanding leaders of the trade union movement and he was loved by the membership and respected within all in the transport industries. “He cared passionately about every working man and woman and fought tirelessly for social justice and the redistribution of wealth and power, both nationally and internationally,” she said. STUC general secretary Grahame Smith said that Congresses were not the same without Bob’s barnstorming speeches, which were always without notes but with the usual passion and humour. “He believed in advancing the interests of his members and never flinched when he led the membership out on strike, often in the face of adversity and personal attacks,” he said. Bob’s family, Nicky his partner, Natasha his daughter, her partner Tom and Bob’s granddaughter Amelia were all in attendance. Natasha said that it was an honour to speak on behalf of the family. “My Dad fought for his members, pensioners, the unemployed and those vulnerable people in society, and was always standing up for the freedoms of the working class. “He was loved by so many for his strength of character when fighting for others. “He never put himself first and valued the underdog and he didn’t just talk-the-talk with empty words, he walked-the- walk and was a man of action,” she said to rapturous applause. National president Peter Pinkney said that it was a privilege to be asked to officially unveil the memorial plaques. “The loss of our general secretary was a devastating blow to everyone in the union and beyond,” he said. He also reminded the meeting of the loss of council of executive member Brian Munro and said that everyone at Unity House and throughout the union pulled together to ensure RMT continued to function. He concluded by saying that the wording on the plaques was befitting and a lasting legacy to Bob, The Workers’ Hero, Don’t Mourn –Organise. RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2014 :: RMTnews 28 SCOTLAND HONOURS BOB CROW T erry was a founder member of LUL track and signals branch along with Bob Crow. Terry was branch chair for many years until 2005. He was a regular attender at the engineers grades conference where his input was always welcome, he will be sadly missed RIP Brother. Willie Devlin OBITUARY TERRY DIN 1951-2014