Nigel de Gruchy
Nigel Ronald Anthony de Gruchy (born 28 January 1943) is a British former trade union official.
Early life
He was born in Jersey to Robert de Gruchy and Dorothy Cullinane.
He studied at the catholic De La Salle College followed by the University of Reading where he gained a BA in Economics and Philosophy in 1965. He attended the University of Paris during May 1968 to gain a Certificate Pratique de Langue Française. From Alliance française he gained a Certificate de Française Parlé et du Diplôme de Langue.
Career
After graduating, he taught English at the Berlitz Schools at Santander from 1965-6, and Versailles from 1966-7. He worked as a teacher of economics at the St Joseph's Academy, Blackheath, London from 1968–78, while taking a PGCE as part of the University of London External Programme.
NASUWT
In 1978 he became the full-time Assistant Secretary of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), then in 1983 he became Deputy General Secretary, and in 1990 was elected as General Secretary of the union.[1]
As leader of the union, he successfully obtained an independent pay-review body for teachers, and led a boycott of National Curriculum tests for 7- and 11-year-olds. He became known for his soundbites, and was criticised by other unions for his opposition to teaching assistants. He was vocal and forthright in his opinions, and took no prisoners.
He retired as General Secretary in April 2002.[1]
Personal life
He married Judith Berglund in 1970. They have one son.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Nigel de Gruchy: The teachers' leader who spoke in sound bites", The Independent, 28 March 2002
External links
| Trade union offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Fred Smithies |
General Secretary of NASUWT 1990–2002 |
Succeeded by Eamonn O'Kane |
| Preceded by Tony Young |
President of the Trades Union Congress 2003 |
Succeeded by Roger Lyons |