JR
Jimmy Reid
16quotes
Jimmy Reid
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
James "Jimmy" Reid was a Scottish trade unionist and politician.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Reid was born on July 11, 1932, in Govanhill, Glasgow, Scotland. He passed away on August 3, 2008, at the age of 76.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Scottish, Trade Unionist, Politician
Early Life and Background
Jimmy Reid grew up in a working-class family in Glasgow's Govanhill district. His early life was marked by poverty and hardship, which would later influence his commitment to social justice. After completing his secondary education, Reid worked as an apprentice at the Clydeside shipyards before joining the National Union of Shipbuilders.
Major Accomplishments
Reid's involvement in trade unionism led him to become a prominent figure in the labor movement. He served as the general secretary of the Scottish TUC and was instrumental in organizing the 1971 Upper Clyde Shipbuilders (UCS) work-in, which successfully resisted government plans to close the shipyards.
Notable Works or Actions
Reid's most notable achievement is probably his role in leading the UCS work-in. This mass action brought together workers, politicians, and community leaders to protect their jobs and industry. The success of this campaign made Reid a household name and earned him a reputation as a champion of workers' rights.
Impact and Legacy
Jimmy Reid's impact on Scottish labor history is undeniable. His commitment to social justice and his willingness to take bold action have inspired generations of trade unionists and politicians. Reid's legacy extends beyond the shipyards; he played a significant role in shaping Scotland's industrial relations and remains an important figure in the country's labor movement.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jimmy Reid is widely quoted for his passionate advocacy on behalf of workers' rights and social justice. His commitment to these causes, combined with his unwavering determination and leadership skills, have made him a revered figure in Scottish politics. Reid's speeches and writings continue to inspire those fighting for fairness and equality.
As a leading trade unionist, Jimmy Reid's influence extends far beyond his own time. His legacy continues to shape the labor movement and inspire new generations of activists. Through his tireless work and unwavering commitment to social justice, Reid has left an indelible mark on Scotland's industrial history and politics.
Quotes by Jimmy Reid
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Arthur Scargill's leadership of the miners' strike has been a disgrace. The price to be paid for his folly will be immense. He will have destroyed the N.U.M. as an effective fighting force within British trade unionism for the next 20 years. If kamikaze pilots were to form their own union, Arthur would be an ideal choice for leader.
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Robert Burns enriched Scottish song with his genius and is mainly responsible for the rich treasure house of song that we enjoy today. He collected folk songs, retained the melodic line, kept what words were usable and rewrote the rest. He didn’t claim ownership.
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When New Labour came to power, we got a Right-wing Conservative government. I came to realise that voting Labour wasn’t in Scotland’s interests any more. Any doubt I had about that was cast aside for ever when I saw Gordon Brown cosying up to Margaret Thatcher in Downing Street.
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Profit is the sole criterion used by the establishment to evaluate economic activity. From the rat race to lame ducks. The vocabulary in vogue is a give-away. It’s more reminiscent of a human menagerie than human society.
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A rat race is for rats. We’re not rats. We’re human beings. Reject the insidious pressures in society that would blunt your critical faculties to all that is happening around you, that would caution silence in the face of injustice lest you jeopardise your chances of promotion and self-advancement.
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Government by the people for the people becomes meaningless unless it includes major economic decision-making by the people for the people. This is not simply an economic matter. In essence it is an ethical and moral question, for whoever takes the important economic decisions in society ipso facto determines the social priorities of that society.
"
Robert Burns enriched Scottish song with his genius and is mainly responsible for the rich treasure house of song that we enjoy today. He collected folk songs, retained the melodic line, kept what words were usable and rewrote the rest. He didn't claim ownership.
"
From the Olympian heights of an executive suite, in an atmosphere where your success is judged by the extent to which you can maximise profits, the overwhelming tendency must be to see people as units of production, as indices in your accountants' books.
"
Arthur Scargill’s leadership of the miners’ strike has been a disgrace. The price to be paid for his folly will be immense. He will have destroyed the NUM as an effective fighting force within British trade unionism for the next 20 years. If kamikaze pilots were to form their own union, Arthur would be an ideal choice for leader.
"
When New Labour came to power, we got a Right-wing Conservative government. I came to realise that voting Labour wasn't in Scotland's interests any more. Any doubt I had about that was cast aside for ever when I saw Gordon Brown cosying up to Margaret Thatcher in Downing Street.
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