How much does a Trade Union leader earn?

It’s common knowledge that Trade Unions campaign for improved salaries and pay for their members, and this week they have been adding their voice to the growing chorus demanding an end to the bonus culture. But how much do Trade Union leaders themselves receive in annual salary?

According to a recent article in The Independent, documents filed with the trade union certification office, a regulatory body, reveal:

Tony Woodley joint General Secretary of Unite is said to have seen an increase in his pay and benefits package last year of 20 per cent, from £88,359 to £105,761. His salary alone rose by 10 per cent to £93,815 between 2007 and 2008, compared with a public sector average of 2.8 per cent.

Derek Simpson, Unite’s other joint general secretary, received a salary of £97,027, up 4 per cent on the previous year, housing benefit of £38,340 and £24,480 toward his chauffeur-driven car.

Bob Crow, the militant leader of the RMT rail union, saw his pay and benefits rise by 8 per cent to £91,646 in 2008.

Billy Hayes, leader of the 260,000-member Communication Workers Union, which is currently planning a series of postal strikes, was said to receive a 5% pay rise to £88,438.

Trade union leaders receive huge pay rises despite redundancies and salary cuts among members

Questions for discussion:
Are these salaries reasonable in view of the numbers they represent?
How do these salaries compare with that of an MP?