Frances O'Grady Quotes

A collection of quotes by Frances O'Grady.

Frances O'Grady is a British trade unionist serving as the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress since 2013. Born in 1959 and raised in Oxford, she joined the TUC in 1979 and worked in various roles before becoming the General Secretary, making her the first woman to hold this position. O'Grady is known for her advocacy and leadership in championing workers' rights and promoting fair working conditions. Throughout her career, she has played a significant role in shaping labor policies and has been a vocal advocate for improving the rights and wellbeing of workers in various sectors.

I cherish the creation of public space and services, especia

I cherish the creation of public space and services, especially health, housing and the comprehensive education system which dared to give so many of us ideas 'above our station.'

Frances O'Grady

My impression is that most women public service workers have

My impression is that most women public service workers have a long fuse. Precisely because they care so deeply about services, more than anyone, they still want to find a sensible and fair negotiated agreement. But their patience has run out.

Frances O'Grady

All the evidence shows very clearly that if you are a member

All the evidence shows very clearly that if you are a member of a trade union you are likely to get better pay, more equal pay, better health and safety, more chance to get training, more chance to have conditions of work that help if you have caring responsibilities... the list goes on!

Frances O'Grady

It is not natural or inevitable that half the world goes hun

It is not natural or inevitable that half the world goes hungry that the freedom of markets trumps protection of the planet or that citizens' rights come second to those of corporations.

Frances O'Grady

RFK was a compelling figure because he was willing to challe

RFK was a compelling figure because he was willing to challenge his audiences, and in turn connect with them in a unique way. Kennedy showed that our values define us and can inspire others to believe in the possibility of change and a better society.

Frances O'Grady

The TUC's new slogan 'a future that works' sets a profound c

The TUC's new slogan 'a future that works' sets a profound challenge. Austerity and rapid deficit reduction is failing in its own terms, but even at its best it is short-sighted, muddle-through politics with no vision of a new economic model.

Frances O'Grady

When I look at my daughter, who's 24, she is much more confi

When I look at my daughter, who's 24, she is much more confident than I ever was and her expectations are higher. But I worry that there is a backlash brewing against progress on equality.

Frances O'Grady

As long as the number one worry for people, keeping them up

As long as the number one worry for people, keeping them up at nights, is whether they're going to have a job in the morning, then they are less likely to resist unfair changes, or unfair treatment, or cuts in real pay at work.

Frances O'Grady

I came from a family where joining a union was the expected

I came from a family where joining a union was the expected thing to do. I've always believed that the relationship between an employer and an individual worker is fundamentally unequal.

Frances O'Grady

I want a society that provides decent jobs for those who can

I want a society that provides decent jobs for those who can work and decent security for those can't.

Frances O'Grady