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Gloria Mills
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Gloria Mills in 2024.
President of the Trades Union Congress
In office
2005–2006
Preceded by Jeannie Drake
Succeeded by Alison Shepherd
Personal details
Born
Gloria Helenly Mills
Nationality British
Political party Labour
Alma mater Open University
Profession Trade unionist

Gloria Helenly Mills is a well-known British leader who has worked for many years to help people in their jobs. She is a trade union official, which means she helps workers come together to improve their pay, safety, and working conditions. She has held important roles, including leading the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

Education and Learning

Gloria Mills studied a lot to prepare for her career. She earned a special degree called a Master of Business Administration from the Open University. This degree helps people learn how to manage businesses and organizations. She also received an honorary degree from Staffordshire University, which is a special award given to people for their achievements.

Career and Leadership

Gloria Mills started her career in a company that published legal books. There, she joined a trade union called the National Society of Operative Printers and Assistants. She was chosen by her co-workers to be a "Mother of the Chapel." This is a special role in a trade union where someone represents other workers in their workplace.

Later, she began working full-time for another union, the Society of Graphical and Allied Trades. In 1985, she joined the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE). She started as an officer in London, helping union members in that area. She was then promoted to a national officer. In this role, she worked on making sure everyone had fair chances and was treated equally.

In 1993, NUPE joined with two other unions to form a very large union called Unison. Gloria Mills became the director of equal opportunities for Unison. This meant she worked to ensure fairness for all members, no matter their background.

Two years later, she was elected to the General Council of the Trades Union Congress (TUC). The TUC is a big group that represents many trade unions in the UK. She also served on its executive committee from 2000. She led the TUC's race committee and was part of its women's committee. From 2005 to 2006, she was elected as the President of the Trades Union Congress, which is a very important leadership position.

Gloria Mills has also worked with unions across Europe. She was active with the European Trade Union Confederation. In 2015, she was elected as the president of its women's committee, helping to improve conditions for women workers across Europe.

She also served on the Commission for Racial Equality, an organization that worked to prevent unfair treatment based on race. Gloria Mills has been involved with the Labour Party for many years. She is also a National Executive Member of BAME Labour, a group that supports Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic people in the Labour Party.

Awards and Recognition

Gloria Mills has received special awards for her important work. In 1999, she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award recognizes people who have made a big difference in their community or country. In 2005, she received an even higher honor. She was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). These awards show how much her efforts to help workers and promote equality have been valued.

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