DC 37 and Locals 154 and 371 received a total of 20 journalism awards May 4 at the annual convention of the Metropolitan New York Labor Communications Council.

Local 154’s newsletter, The Professional Touch, dominated the category for publications with circulations up to 1,500.

The local won first prizes for general excellence and news writing, first and second for graphic design, first and second for unique performance, and second for photography.

Local 154 member Robert Tilley wrote the prizewinning article, “We Need Affordable Housing.”

The Professional Touch is written and edited by Local 154 Editor-in-Chief Paula L. Sanders and Editor Annette Harewood, with editorial support from PEP Contributing Editor Molly Charboneau and graphic design by PEP Artist Jaee Pathak, both of the DC 37 Communications Dept.

The contest judges cited the newsletter for its use of photographs and quotes from individual members and particularly praised its debate article on the “one member, one vote” issue.

“Our main goal is to keep the members informed,” said Local President Barry Jamison, “but it’s wonderful to have our local recognized for doing such a good job in this field. I’m sure all our members are proud of the work of the committee.”

The Unionist, published by DC 37’s Social Service Employees Union Local 371, topped the list of publications with circulations from 15,001 to 50,000.

It was first in general excellence, news writing and graphic design, first and second in photography, and second in unique performance.

Editor Martin Fishgold, who is also president of Metro, wrote the top news article on strikers at the Domino Sugar plant with Dania Rajendra, and Charles Brown took the winning photographs.

In a category that includes magazines and newspapers published by national and local unions with circulations over 50,000, DC 37’s Public Employee Press received third prize for general excellence and won praise from the judges for both content and design. PEP came in first in photography, graphic design and unique performance and second in news and feature writing.

George Cohen won the photography award for a warm and sensitive shot of a retired member who learned sign language at the union so he could communicate with his grandson. Assistant Art Director E.J. Dobson designed the two-page “Gifts of Hope,” which took the graphics prize.

The unique performance award honored a series by Ms. Charboneau about members fighting for safer working conditions. Associate Editor Gregory N. Heires received a news writing citation for “Reforms strengthen Local 376” and a feature prize for “Landscapes of Love,” which focused on Local 375 members who design playgrounds. Mr. Heires is Metro’s vice president.

PEP Editor Bill Schleicher said the prizes resulted from a team effort by the staff of PEP, which also includes Art Director Alyce Archer, Associate Editor Diane Williams, Ms. Pathak, Editorial Assistant Sherry Springer and Typesetter Astley Haughton.