Frances O’Grady addresses the ADM
Frances O’Grady, the first woman Deputy General Secretary of Trade Union Congress (TUC) made an inspiring speech, emphasising the need for strong, free, journalism.
By Julija Jegorova and Stephen Fothergill
Her speech centered on issues of student involvement, education and strong trade un
ionism. When asked about the link between the NUJ and TUC, she said: “The NUJ is the heart of the TUC… Jeremy Dear (General Secretary of NUJ) is on the TUC Executive. I think it’s pretty unusual, for what is, in TUC terms, a relatively small and specialist union like the NUJ to have a leader on TUC Executive.”
Working students
Students will be happy to learn that they are starting to be recognised for the work they do whilst studying. O’Grady said: “It took a while for some people in parts of the trade union movement, to realise that the whole labour market has changed, and changed most for young people.”
Given the difficulties that students can experience working whilst studying, she said the TUC “needs to find new ways to reach people and organise them.”
Work Experience
Frances O’Grady is passionate about training for students. However she is worried that unpaid internships are exploiting both students and staff within media organisations. She said: “Employers, as well as workers themselves need to know the law. In the vast majority of cases, so called ‘internships’, should be paid at least the national minimum wage. People should know their rights.”
Union Membership
Frances feels that although membership has remained steady over the last few years, the current economic climate is changing the way unions are viewed. “Clearly unemployment is having a real impact on people’s lives.” However this has led to an increase in support for Unions. She said: “More and more people are joining because…there is no such thing as a safe job anymore.”
Journalism
When asked how she feels about journalism and journalists, O’Grady said: “The journalists I know are pretty smart and sassy and I can see why it’s such an attractive job.” Frances argues that there is something more to profound to being a journalist. She said: “Journalism is absolutely fundamental to democracy.”
