Campaigner wins trade union Organising Award

Edinburgh based academic Sue Sierra wins STUC Organising Award

One of Scotland’s leading Universities and College Union (UCU) campaigners has been recognised for her tireless organising work in Edinburgh.

Sue Sierra, a Maths Professor at the University of Edinburgh, received the Organising Award at the STUC Annual Congress this week in Dundee. The award praised Sue’s transformational impact on her branch, highlighting her commitment to organising her fellow workers.

Sue joined the branch committee as the branch organising officer in 2019/2020 following participation in a previous strike, and she has had a transformational impact on the branch’s organising capacity.

Sue, who was presented the Organising Award from First Minister Humza Yousaf at the Congress, has helped forge a unifying approach to identify and support local reps, and link reps and workers together.

Commenting, Sue Sierra said:

“It’s a great privilege to have received the STUC Organising Award with all praise and gratitude going to my colleagues within the UCU.

"Organising is hard work, but the rewards pay off time and time again and I am immensely proud of my branch and union’s achievements.

"When we all come together, trade unionists can make real changes in workplaces, industries and in communities. That’s precisely why I’m a proud member of the UCU.”

Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said:

“Right across Scotland, in every sector of the economy, our reps and shop stewards are the face of our trade union movement in our workplaces and in our communities. Our annual Union Rep Awards celebrate these stalwarts and all those who have gone above and beyond this past year.

"This year was no exception and Sue thoroughly deserves her recognition as the recipient of the Organising Award for 2023.

"She is a driven and dedicated trade unionist and has been a key component in the revitalisation of her local branch.

"Our reps are the lifeblood of our movement; an incredible force for good in helping others in need. Every single one of them deserves an award for the amazing work that they do and they have my utmost praise as they ingrain trade union values throughout their workplaces.”

Watch Sue's story in the STUC Organising Award short film here: