RMT’s Bob Crow Calls For “Generalised Strikes And Community Direct Action”

SPEAKING TO delegates at transport union RMT’s annual conference in Aberdeen today, General Secretary Bob Crow will issue a “call to arms” to the entire Labour and Trade Union Movement and communities under attack for a “sustained campaign of generalised strikes across both the public and private sectors and community direct action to defend public services in the teeth of the fiscal fascism being unleashed by this ConDem government.”

Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, will say:

“This ConDem administration has thrown down the biggest challenge to the Trade Union Movement since Margaret Thatcher took on the National Union of Mineworkers. I have no hesitation in saying that it will take general and co-ordinated strike action across the public and private sectors to stop their savage assault on jobs, living standards and public services.

“The Trade Unions must form alliances with community groups, campaigns and pensioners organisations in the biggest show of united resistance since the success of the anti-poll tax movement. Waving banners and placards will not be enough – it will take direct action to stop the Cameron and Clegg cuts machine.

“We have a right wing Tory Government propped up by a Liberal Party that has binned every commitment that it gave to voters in the run up to the election in order to grab power. That’s why we say this administration has no mandate for its cuts and that’s why we argue that bulldozing through their austerity measures amounts to fiscal fascism. It was zombie capitalism that dragged us into this mess and our people should not be made to pay to clear it up.

“The Trade Unions can only fight these attacks from the front foot. We have a Government of millionaire public school boys who are determined to rule by fear – fear of losing your job, fear of losing your home and fear of losing your benefits and the public services that you rely on.

“RMT says don’t fear them, fight them. Our Trade Union has a slogan, “never on our knees”, and from Aberdeen we want those words to ring out on the Millionaires Row of Clegg and Cameron. They started this fight with the working class and we are up for it.”

> RMT National News

Friday, 16th October
RAIL UNION RMT members working as Train Managers for Chiltern Railways will take a further 24 hours of strike action this Saturday (17 October) as the company continues to refuse to provide guarantees over the safety-critical role of the second person on board proposed East West Rail services.
Thursday, 15th October
Maritime union RMT has welcomed Skills England’s decision on the future of maritime apprenticeships, including the vital Seafarer Deck Rating apprenticeship, which plays a crucial role in supporting jobs, skills and careers in Britain’s coastal communities.
Thursday, 15th October
OFFSHORE UNION RMT has condemned the introduction of Offshore Energy UK’s (OEUK) safe weight limit policy which comes into effect on 01 November 2026, warning that the restrictions could have serious consequences for offshore workers, their employment, and their livelihoods.
Monday, 12th October
An RMT member employed as a London Underground Revenue Control Inspector faces possible dismissal after intervening during an assault on staff and a passenger at Bond Street station.
Friday, 9th October
RMT members working as Train Managers for Chiltern Railways will be taking 24-hour strike action tomorrow (Saturday 10th October and also Saturday 17th October) after the company refused to provide guarantees over the safety critical role of the second person on board proposed East West Rail services.