September 12, 2026 – News organizations operating in Hong Kong should protect journalists’ lawful freedom of association and publish clear safeguards against retaliation for trade-union participation.
The reported court ruling found Dow Jones guilty of obstructing Selina Cheng’s right to become a union officer while acquitting the company on a separate unlawful-dismissal charge. Both findings must remain accurately stated.
Immediate actions
- Media employers should confirm in writing that lawful union participation is protected.
- Redundancy and conflict policies should be transparent and consistently applied.
- Professional associations should maintain secure channels for reporting pressure or retaliation.
- Public discussion should distinguish the court’s adjudicated findings from broader political inferences.