Detroit Strike Leader Honored

Susan Watson, a vocal leader of the Detroit newspapers strike, was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in April. Watson was praised as “talented, committed, courageous and humane” by the selection committee, which recognized her for 35 years of work as a reporter, editor, columnist, labor activist and community advocate. Watson, a member of TNG-CWA Local 22, was fired from the Detroit Free Press during the strike for taking part in a sit-down protest in front of the Detroit News building in August 1996. A National Labor Relations Board judge ruled that she and dozens of other striking workers were fired illegally. The papers are appealing the judge’s order to reinstate the employees.