O'Grady calls for 'equality and fairness, not free market greed'

Louise Nousratpour in Eastbourne
Thursday March 11, 2010

TUC deputy leader Frances O'Grady argued that Labour could secure a new term in office if it pledged a "new kind of economy" where equality and fairness took the place of free-market greed.

"This is my first address to the TUC women's conference as an official as opposed to a delegate," she said in Eastbourne.

In her speech, Ms O'Grady covered much of conference concerns on the economy, violence against women, eroding working conditions and the rising threat of the far-right BNP.

She said: "Our fight for fairness and equality is going to have an even greater significance this year as we are little more than six weeks away from a general election.

"This is probably the most important election in a generation.

"It's an election where the votes of women will be absolutely vital."

Ms O'Grady blamed the financial crisis on private-sector greed "inspired by free-market dogma" and urged solidarity with all those unions, including the PCS and Unite's BA cabin crew members, engaged in the fight to protect their jobs and working conditions.

"The crisis was manufactured by rich, male bankers, but its impact is felt most by the poor and ordinary working people," she railed.

"But we will not stand by and let ordinary people pay the price," Ms O'Grady added to applause.