"Everything’s going up but our wages” - Frances O’Grady to call for action on pay at Tolpuddle

Speaking at the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival this weekend, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady will praise the values of the trade union movement and call for action to tackle the cost of living crisis.  

Frances will say: “This is my last Tolpuddle as general secretary. It’s been a privilege to devote my working life to the cause of labour. 

“Trades unionism is the greatest force for equality and social justice I know. 

“It is first and foremost about friendship and solidarity between working people. 

“Every advance we have won since the Tolpuddle Martyrs, we have won together.” 

On the cost of living crisis, Frances will add: “We face the worst cost-of-living emergency for 40 years. 

“Gas bills, the weekly shop, the cost of childcare – everything's going up but our wages. 

“That’s why we need a new deal for working people – with decent work, fair pay and strong rights at its heart.” 

The Dorset festival runs from today (Friday) until Sunday. As well as Frances, speakers include Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner and Ukrainian journalist Serhii Guz.