Jimmy Reid

Date of Birth: 9 July 1932

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 10 August 2010

Biography

Jimmy Reid was a renowned Scottish trade unionist, socialist, and political activist, best known for his leadership during the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders work-in of 1971-1972. Born in Govan, Glasgow, Reid grew up in a working-class family and was deeply influenced by the struggles of the labor community. He became a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain and later joined the Labour Party. Reid’s eloquence and commitment to workers’ rights earned him national and international recognition. He also ventured into journalism and academia, serving as Rector of the University of Glasgow from 1971 to 1974. His speeches and writings continue to inspire activists and workers worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Jimmy Reid

1. Jimmy Reid’s speech during the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders work-in was described by the New York Times as “the greatest speech since President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.”

2. He was appointed as Rector of the University of Glasgow, where he delivered the famous “rat race” speech that criticized societal values.

3. Reid was a member of the Communist Party before switching to the Labour Party, and later to the Scottish National Party (SNP).

4. He worked as a journalist for several publications including The Scotsman and The Herald.

5. Jimmy Reid was posthumously inducted into the Scottish Politicians Hall of Fame in 2011.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jimmy Reid

1. “A rat race is for rats. We’re not rats. We’re human beings.”

2. “Let me right at the outset define what the work-in is about. It is about the right to work.”

3. “Reject the values of the rat race and the values of greed.”

4. “The untapped potential of the lives of people in this country is immense.”

5. “I believe that the human spirit is the most important thing in the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jimmy Reid’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but his wealth was modest, reflective of his commitment to social activism rather than financial gain.