In pictures: Rail union chief
- Published
Bob Crow, General secretary of the Rail Maritime and Transport union, has died aged 52.
Bob Crow, seen here in 2002, was one of the old school of trades union leaders respected by both supporters and opponents.
Born in 1961 in east London, Mr Crow got his first job on the underground at the age of 16, fixing rails and cutting down trees by the track. He was elected general secretary of the RMT in 2002 following the death of former leader Jimmy Knapp.
A longstanding Millwall supporter, Mr Crow, seen here with his dog Castro, was not a member of any political party, and was often equally critical of Labour - especially New Labour - as he was of the Conservatives.
He was known for his hard-nosed tactics including strikes, most recently last month when parts of the London Underground network were shut down for 48 hours.
Mr Crow's class-based politics made him a regular cartoon villain for some newspapers. His salary package of about £145,000 was criticised, especially as he continued to live in a council house. He is seen here in his office.
Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: "I am shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Bob Crow. Unison members will want to send their sympathy to his family and friends."
Manuel Cortes, leader of the TSSA rail union said: "Bob Crow was admired by his members and feared by employers, which is exactly how he liked it."