Story perspectives

Court finds Dow Jones deterred journalist union role

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 12:54 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

A court convicted Dow Jones Publishing Co (Asia) Inc. of deterring Selina Cheng from a union role.
The magistrate acquitted the publisher of unlawful dismissal, with offences carrying an HK$100,000 fine.
Selina Cheng launched a private prosecution on Dec 18 2025 alleging prevention and wrongful termination.
Principal Magistrate David Cheung said the prior-approval requirement deterred Cheng’s rights.
The verdict is a test of Hong Kong’s Employment Ordinance protections for journalists.

History

Historical Context

Magistrate David Cheung’s 2024 ruling against Dow Jones Publishing Co (Asia) Inc. barred a prior-approval clause for a journalist’s union activity, invoking the freedom of association protected by ILO Convention 87. Convention 87, adopted in 1948 and reaffirmed as a core right in the ILO’s 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, obliges all 187 ILO members to respect union freedoms.

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Story summary

A court convicted Dow Jones Publishing Co (Asia) Inc. of deterring Selina Cheng from a union role.
The magistrate acquitted the publisher of unlawful dismissal, with offences carrying an HK$100,000 fine.
Selina Cheng launched a private prosecution on Dec 18 2025 alleging prevention and wrongful termination.
Principal Magistrate David Cheung said the prior-approval requirement deterred Cheng’s rights.
The verdict is a test of Hong Kong’s Employment Ordinance protections for journalists.

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