You might be surprized to see a union giving out journalism awards, since labour issues are so rarely in the news, unless its a looming strike or lockout update. The truth is the ideals of labour and journalism are largely the same; to fight oppression, stop human rights abuses, make powerful people and corporations accountable, and to make the world a better place.
Charismatic union leader SIdney Hillman spent his life fighting for better treatment of garment workers in the 1920s and thirties. Last year, the Hillman Foundation started awarding Canadian journalists for stories that deal with social justice and human rights issues. One winner exposed the link between poverty and poor health in Hamilton, Ontario. This year the winners are a CBC 5th estate team with a shocking story on sex abuse in scouting. As a union representing journalists, we are proud of the work our members do and of our union heritage.