Fred Jones award: Nominate your workplace hero and they could get $1,500 in union-spending cash

Is there someone in your workplace who has gone above and beyond the call of duty for their co-workers and the union?

Nominations for this year’s Fred Jones Memorial SONG Service Award are now open. The award recognizes the work of members who served the union in a non-salaried role for achievements such as organizing, bargaining, union building, human rights, health and safety and other core areas.

The winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship to go towards expenses and lost wages to cover education, donations and other union-related costs approved by the executive.

Nominees need two members to vouch for them in writing. Applications must include a detailed description of the candidate’s achievements and qualifications. Please send them to Eva Dominelli at eva@unifor87m.org, or, if you prefer, you can mail in your application or even fax it over to 416-461-5058. Nominations should be addressed to Paul Morse, Local 87-M President.

The award’s namesake, Fred Jones, was a reporter with the Toronto Telegram and was a key organizer when our local was establishing itself with the Toronto dailies in the 1950s.

Last year’s recipient was Hamilton Spectator mailroom worker Jimmy Goodale, who started working at the Spec when he was just 18. He retired after 50 years, and in his time on the job served in various union roles such as bargaining and the health and safety committees.

Nominations close Friday, May 26.