Of course, no-one thinks the EU is perfect. In recent years, the pace of social reform has slowed. But staying in offers the chance to rebuild a vision of Europe for workers, regardless of the passport they hold. Frances O'Grady More Quotes by Frances O'Grady More Quotes From Frances O'Grady I worry that some politicians still think we are living in the 1950s where the man is the main breadwinner and the woman works for pin money. Actually, most families where there are two parents depend on two incomes to get by. Frances O'Grady men two thinking 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 space giving ideas I suspect there are people in all walks of life who need to be dragged into the 21st century in terms of attitudes towards women. Frances O'Grady attitude people needs We too often hear about red tape but what they mean is the vital rights of workers. Frances O'Grady tape rights mean Ordinary people who have lots of good ideas want more than a suggestion box, and they need a union to represent that thinking. Frances O'Grady people ideas thinking 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 economic-models challenges profound I am a feminist and I have no problems being called that. Frances O'Grady no-problem feminist problem There are lots of small businesses in Britain that have a pretty tough time but many of them are also parts of supply chains, the leave side roll out JCB but that's one company, all the experts are saying the economy would take a big hit if we came out of the EU. Frances O'Grady tough-times experts sides 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 real morning jobs I'd be happy to have regular face-to-face meetings at Downing Street with David Cameron to argue the case for alternative economic policies. Frances O'Grady downing-street alternatives faces Washing dishes as a 17-year-old in an Oxford college and seeing the privileged lifestyles of the undergraduates there convinced me that a system that allowed luxury for the few at the expense of the many needed to be challenged. Frances O'Grady college oxford years I want a society that provides decent jobs for those who can work and decent security for those can't. Frances O'Grady decent want jobs There is this sense of David Cameron leading a Government that's badly out of touch with ordinary people's lives. I'd absolutely welcome the opportunity to show all political leaders what life is like for most people. Frances O'Grady government opportunity people You just wish sometimes that people would treat you like a human being rather than seeing your gender first and who you are second. Frances O'Grady wish people firsts A vision of Europe fit for the 21st century and a practical plan to deliver strong rights, decent jobs and livelihoods, with strong unions at its heart, is one worth fighting for. Frances O'Grady strong heart jobs With real wages still falling for many, people are increasingly being forced to use their credit cards, their dwindling savings, or take out payday or doorstep loans if they need to buy anything beyond the most everyday of items. Frances O'Grady real people fall 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 possibility-of-change unique believe A business is good if it gives a decent day's reward for a decent day's work, treats people decently, and gives them a voice at the top. Frances O'Grady voice giving people 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 equal-pay caring responsibility The backwoodsmen are muttering about making Britain's draconian union laws - already among the toughest in Europe - harsher still. And parts of the media will continue to attack public service pensions, as if school meals staff, refuse collectors and healthcare workers have no right to a decent retirement. Frances O'Grady media retirement school
