Sam Green – National VP (Professional Staff)
I have had the pleasure of working closely with Ruth in both her previous role as Professional Staff Vice President, and more recently Victorian Division Assistant Secretary, and found her to be one of if not the most committed and passionate members of our Union. Ruth has continued to use her voice and platform within the NTEU to ensure that all University staff are represented and recognised in the actions taken and the decisions made by both the Victorian Division and the National Leadership. Her personal experience across multiple University workplaces of varying shapes and sizes within Victoria and her work across many campaigns and initiatives at branch, division and national levels has provided her with a wide view of the sector, and a strong appreciation for the diversity of our NTEU membership. Her voice is a voice of justice for professional and third-space University staff, for the working women of our sector, and for members at Victorian universities large and small. Since I have known her, Ruth has fought to ensure that their voice is heard, and that the issues of all University Staff are the NTEU's core business.
When I think of Ruth, I think of her commitment to collectivism and solidarity with members from all corners of our sector, and the amazing and tireless work she has done to ensure that nobody gets left out or left behind. I think of the work she has done in support and encouragement of activists from less representative areas of our industry, both young and old; including myself. She embodies responsibility, integrity and accountability over recognition or ambition. She understands. that nothing in our movement has ever been won without a fight, and is always ready to stand up and do just that. It is my absolute honour to endorse Ruth's nomination to continue her tireless work as Victorian Assistant Secretary.