Metroland's Tim Whitnell receives this year's Fred Jones Award

Metroland's Tim Whitnell is the recipient of this year's Fred Jones Memorial Service Award.

Whitnell has been a Metroland reporter since 1986 and has served as a steward since the late '90s.

Colleagues say he is a "devoted, hard-working, fight-for-your-rights kind of guy."

Whitnell has bargained many contracts over the years and most recently played a key role in dealing with the asbestos issue at their new building.

Whitnell received a cheque for $1,500 and a plaque to recognize his contributions at a Rep Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 21 at the Local's new space at 91 Skyway in Etobicoke.