Following the devastating news of the death of RMT General Secretary Bob Crow on Tuesday 11th March the union is able to confirm arrangements for both Bob’s funeral and the commemoration of his life and work on Monday 24th March.

Bob Crow’s family have asked all media to respect the fact that Bob’s funeral service itself will be a private affair. Any invasion of that privacy will be taken up by the union through the press and broadcasting regulatory and complaints bodies.

However, Bob’s family recognise the huge amount of support given to Bob and the fact that his members, friends and colleagues from the wider trade union and labour movement will also want the opportunity to say goodbye.

Therefore, the union can confirm that a funeral procession will commence from a start point on Snakes Lane (IG8 7GF) – which will be clearly marked on the day and agreed with the police – assembling for 12 noon and will arrive at the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium at approximately 12.45 hours. Trade unionists with banners and flags have been invited to line the route. The immediate area around the family home will be kept clear and again the media are requested to respect that arrangement.

The procession will end at the cemetery gates and the family have asked that their wish that there be no press or public involvement beyond that point be respected in full.

In addition, a minutes silence for Bob Crow will be held at 13.30 hours on Monday 24th March which the union has requested that all members, staff, colleagues and friends of Bob observe as a mark of respect .

Donations on behalf of Bob may be made to the British Heart Foundation and a dedicated area has been set up by the family on the British Heart Foundation’s website. This can be accessed using the following link: https://lastinghope.bhf.org.uk/bobcrow

Finally, and at the family’s request, to enable all RMT members and friends and colleagues to honour Bob and his legendary championing of workers’ rights, the Council of Executives have called for a National RMT Mobilisation for the London May Day march and rally where the union will be at the forefront of the demonstration and arrangements on the day.

The march and rally will be on Thursday 1st May in London and while the final details are being confirmed with the London May Day Organising Committee RMT is already building for a huge turn out in London on the day.

Mick Cash, RMT Senior Assistant General Secretary, said:

“Today, on behalf of Bob Crow’s family, we are able to confirm arrangements for the funeral and commemoration of the life and work of our General Secretary whose death has rocked the trade union movement, both in this country and around the world, to its very core. The thousands of messages of condolence from every part of the globe are a testament to the courage, leadership and strength that Bob shared with so many people.

“Whilst Bob Crow’s funeral itself will be a strictly private affair his friends and family recognise that many people will want to show their solidarity, respect and support both on the day itself and on May Day. These arrangements give everyone a chance to play their part.”

Funeral Procession Route to the
City of London Cemetery and Crematorium, Aldersbrook Road, Manor Park, London E12 5DQ.

• Snakes Lane East (IG8 7GF)
• Right onto Chigwell Road
• Down to Charlie Brown’s roundabout
• Onto Herman Hill
• Follow to Wanstead High Street
• Right at the crossroads of Wanstead Station
• First left to Aldersbrook Road and on to Crematorium

Directions to Crematorium from Manor Park Station

• Manor Park Station, (Liverpool Street line)
• Turn left outside station
• Straight down road
• 10 to 15 minutes’ walk to City of London Crematorium (E12 5DQ)
• Bob’s Cortege will arrive from the North

Staff at Manor Park Station will be on hand to help with directions

Donations on behalf of Bob may be made to the British Heart Foundation and a dedicated area has been set up by the family on the British Heart Foundation’s website. This can be accessed using the following link: https://lastinghope.bhf.org.uk/bobcrow