Hamilton Spectator reporter wins labour journalism award

Steve Arnold wows with steel industry series

TORONTO, Sept. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - The Hamilton Spectator's senior business reporter Steve Arnold has won this year's SONG Labour Journalism Award for his compelling and comprehensive reportage on how foreign domination has impacted Hamilton's steel industry and its workers.

"Mr. Arnold's work is painted on a wide canvas, taking the readers into the inner worlds of multinational steel giants ArcelorMittal Dofasco and U.S. Steel, and into the living rooms of steelworkers worried about their pensions, job security and meaningful employment," said Paul Morse, president of Unifor Local 87-M Southern Ontario Newsmedia Guild.

"He writes with clarity and purpose, telling the workers' stories while giving voice to the company as well."

Arnold's attention to detail is outstanding, Morse said. The business journalist tracked down employees, former executives, politicians and union representatives to create a full picture of the companies' roots in the community and provide vivid insight into the ownership changes and their impacts on labour relations.

"Steve Arnold is a shining light in business and labour reporting," said Randy Kitt, national chair of Unifor's Media Industry Council. "His steel series speaks to the realities of globalization on our national economy."

"All four finalists for this award deserve acclaim," Kitt said. "Their work underscores how much we need to maintain and promote strong, professional and independent journalism in Canada."

Unifor is the new national super-union born of the merger of Canada's two largest private-sector unions, the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada. Unifor represents 300,000 members in myriad sectors, including 15,000 media workers coast to coast.

Local 87-M Southern Ontario Newsmedia Guild has 3,000 members at 34 media outlets across Ontario, including CTV, The Globe and Mail, Sun Media and Torstar.

SOURCE: Southern Ontario Newsmedia Guild (CEP Local 87-M)

Media contact: Paul Morse, president, Unifor Local 87-M, cell 905-536-5650.