Morden Oval Branch news

13 June 1961 11 March 2014

Britains left has lost two of its greatest trade unionists, socialists and leaders of the working class, with the sad deaths of Bob Crow and Tony Benn in the space of a week.

A photo issued by RMT of Bob Crow and Tony Benn together at the Tolpuddle Martyrs festival.
On Tuesday March 11th 2014, the sad news reached us that Bob Crow; leader of the National Union of Railway, Maritime and Transport workers had died of a heart attack. It was shocking news. Many of us who knew or had met Bob, appreciated he was much more than the portrayal the right wing press and its counterparts loved to vilify. Bob was amicable, modest and highly word with him. As the leader of RMT union, he was a tireless, hardworking and tough negotiator. Always defending his members and often facing the media backlash as a consequence. Father of four, Bob was only aged 52 years old when he died. On Friday 14th March, Morden Oval branch members, Arwyn Thomas and Glen Hart were asked by the PASCF Three days later, more bad news former Labour MP Tony Benn also died. Two working class heroes who spent a lifetime speaking out against the establishment, were now gone. It is a sad, sad loss for the left. It is our duty to uphold their principles and continue the legacy these giants set. and commitment to assisting community groups like PASCF. approachable to anyone who wanted a followed when imminent socialist and

Arwyn reiterated how Bob and the (Pan-Afrikan Society Community Forum) RMT had sponsored reparations to pay tribute to Bob Crow at their campaigns over the last eight years. commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the Grenada revolution. Arwyn Thomas relished the opportunity. He spoke eloquently of his memories of Bob, before identifying, to those Arwyn Thomas at PASCF unaware of Bobs unwavering support How they were both avid and passionate believers in campaigns that recognized the plight and struggle of vulnerable workers. RMT members will always honour brother Crows memory.

From L-R (clockwise)

Bob Crow with Juan Jose Polo, leader of the Cuban Transport Workers union. Branch members Richard Stagg and Simon Geer with Bob (center) BEM officer Glen Hart with Bob

Cuba Solidarity Garden Party

Held annually at Maritime house
Bob always made a concerted effort to attend trade union events significant to our movement. One important event relevant to socialists everywhere and Morden Oval branch especially, was the Cuba Solidarity Garden party, hosted by RMT at Maritime house. Being held locally to our branch, it provided an opportunity for Morden "It was with great regret that we received the news today from the Cuba Solidarity Campaign informing us of the death of the renowned and tireless RMT union leader, and our dear friend, Bob Crow. Bob knew how to sow deep bonds of friendship, empathy and solidarity into the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. The Cuban Workers Confederation found at the RMT Garden Party against the blockade of Cuba, and his

unwavering defense of the right of workers and the Cuban people

build a socialist society in the midst of countless attacks and campaigns. The Cuban Workers Confederation and national unions of Cuba extend our condolences to his family, friends and members of the RMT, reassuring them that we will always keep Bob in our memories and our hearts, because, as Jos Mart said: "Death is not true when it is done well the work of life." Until Victory Always, dear brother. Cuban Confederation of Workers

Oval branch members to meet senior in Bob a true and unwavering friend union officials, reps, activists from all who devoted countless years and our regions and a host of other union leaders, Cuban delegates and wellknown artists. CTC (Cuban Confederation of Workers) have sent a message of condolence, reproduced here: efforts to the cause of solidarity with the workers and the Cuban people. We will always remember his unconditional solidarity to the cause of the Cuban Five, his strong support for the Commission of Inquiry into their case, his fiery expressions of solidarity