In 2014, Hudson Morin, a member of USW Local 7257 at Cleaver Brooks in Stratford, Ont., turned to her union to help build a plan with the employer to let her co-workers know that she was going to begin her gender transition.
Hudson transitioned while continuing to work at Cleaver Brooks, a male-dominated, rural workplace.
Ahead of her transition, Hudson partnered with Kai Lai of the USW’s National office and Kim Anne from Trans London to develop some awareness components for Hudson’s co-workers, company managers and her local union leadership.
Hudson’s activism and ability to increase awareness and understanding among her co-workers has been a defining moment in solidarity-building in her union and workplace. With the support and understanding of her colleagues, she has remained an active and valuable member of Local 7257 as well as the USW’s Women of Steel program.
Hudson’s advocacy for trans workers was recognized on Monday, Nov. 20, at the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) 2023 Convention, where she received the 2023 Solidarity and Pride Champion Award from outgoing OFL President Patty Coates.
The OFL’s annual Solidarity and Pride Champion Award acknowledges and celebrates individuals or groups who have made a significant or ongoing contribution to the advancement of the two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) human rights, equity and inclusion, who are leaders in advancing equity and quality of life for 2SLGBTQI+ people in workplaces, communities, and globally.
Congratulations, Hudson!
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