Bios
Tom Sandborn
Tom Sandborn was born in Alaska and raised in the wilderness by wolves. Later, Jesuits at the University of San Francisco and radical feminists in Vancouver generously gave time and energy to the difficult task of educating and humanizing him. Tom has a formal education, too: a BA from UBC. He has been practicing the dark arts of journalism off and on ever since university, and now also has about five decades of social justice, peace and environmental campaigning under his belt.
Tom's goal is to live up to the classic definition of a journalist's job from H. L. Menken - to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
Reporting Beat: Labour and social justice, health policy, and occasionally environmental issues.
What is the most important issue facing British Columbians?: Two key issues face BC residents (and they're both so compelling and complex that Tom refuses to rank them): income equality and environmental degradation. Both desperately need solutions.
Stories by Tom Sandborn
Girls' Detention Closures 'Blindside' Union, Breach Rights: Critics
Centralizing youth in custody boosts alternative services, supporters counter.
Are Cuts to Canadian Meat Inspection a Spoiler?
Gov assures safety, but critics warn of increased health risks and cost burden for BC.
Voice from Grave Pleads for Canadian Asbestos Ban
Quebec minister challenged to honour cancer victim's deathbed wish not to fund Jeffrey mine.
As Occupiers Block Port, Labour Questions Tactics
'Take protest to Bay Street and Howe Street, leave the poor working stiff alone': longshore union president.
Asia Pacific Fdn Pressured to Disavow Former Fellow's Pro-Asbestos Stance
Baljit Chadha rebuts claim his views violate ethical standards.
Beware the Internet Underworld
Cyberthieves and deviant hackers abound in Misha Glenny's grim portrait of organized crime online.
Embattled Silviculture Operator Charged with Fraud, Forgery
Owner of Khaira Enterprises denies allegations. Separate police investigation of a 2010 camp death continues.
World's Largest Catering Firm Locks Out BC Workers
Most are visible minority women paid $12 hourly. Compass Group profited $1.5 billion last year.
BCTF Demands Government Action after Supreme Court Win
As talks resume, minister sticks to class size remedy union calls 'slap in face.'
Medicinal Grow-ops Remain Uncharted Territory
Many pose hazards, say Surrey officials. But other local BC politicians worry more oversight will snuff out a good thing.
Rocky Mountaineer Lockout Goes off the Rails
Judge slaps union, politicians blast owner, replacement hire whacks passenger.
BC's Employer Scandal in the Woods Continues
A year after being rescued from abuse, Khaira's tree planters still not paid. They may not be alone.
'This Place Saved My Life': Inside the Rainier Hotel
Meet the people who transformed a crumbling Vancouver SRO into a source of second chances.
Grooming Generation Activist
Want to get good at creating social change? Next Up is looking for its next crop of graduates.
Abbotsford, Mission Part Ways over P3 Water Project
As their populations swell, the towns no longer find it easy to share.
Harper's Asbestos Support 'Crassest Form of Politics': CLC Head
Canada again scuttles international effort to label chrysotile exports toxic.
Nickeled and Dimed: BC's Uneven Minimum Wage Bump
Critics say Libs are miserly to let employers pay less to workers who serve alcohol.
When Lefty Met Margaret
Working class love story inspires major gift to SFU's labour studies department.
Mexican Gov't Union Busting in BC, Charges Union
Guest workers pressured by Mexican officials to decertify unions, says UFCW.
Will America's Anti-Union Spasm Engulf Canada?
Fraser Institute conservatives openly wish for it, unions rally to vow 'no way.'
'Woman of the Year' Is Out of a Job
Provincial cuts finally catch up with Cranbrook’s Women's Resource Centre run by Vicky Dalton.
'The Coca-Cola Case'
More than a documentary, it's a vehicle for a global movement for corporate accountability and union rights.
BC Activist Fights the Union Busting States of America
In Madison, where labour rights are under siege, a BC unionist joins the protest.
BC's Paralyzed Child Protection System
If Judge Ted Hughes can resolve the latest 'near stand-off', he'll chalk up a rare win in a century of setbacks.
A System Broken and 21 Babies Dead
The shocking diagnosis and prescribed fixes from BC's independent children's watchdog.
Foreign Workers Seek Legal Grand Slam against Denny's
$10 million class action suit says contract terms weren't respected, a claim management denies.
Welcome to Canada, Now You're under Arrest
Bill C-49 would create two classes of refugees, and a lot of hardship.
Pot for Pain? This Is Your Law on Drugs
Canada's medical marijuana regime in shambles, say critics.
Scenes from a Showdown at the Hyatt
A surge of unionized room cleaners claiming their jobs are unnecessarily crippling sent a message to management.
Canadian Mining Firm Accused of Complicity in Congo Killings
Lawsuit highlights need for firmer hand in Ottawa, say human rights groups. Anvil Mining denies culpability.
Making BC a Green Jobs Machine
No fossil fuels, zero carbon emissions, better employment. A CCPA report says it's doable in BC.
Hard Thanksgiving for Injured Farm Workers
BC pickers were hurt while riding unprotected with produce bound for holiday tables -- adding to history of carnage.
Class Struggle for Beginners
Allan Engler's 'Economic Democracy' is more than an attempt to rebrand Marxism for the 21st century.
Conflict of Interest 'Infects' BC Drug Review Panel: Critics
Risks said to rise as pharma helps OK drugs for use in province now.
A Decade's Slide in Help for Hurt Workers
Liberal changes to WorkSafe BC have eroded payments, rehab for those injured on the job. Computer glitches fuel criticism.
Skip Hotel Room Cleaning? That's Not 'Green' Says Union
Workers protest option given guests at luxury hotels, launch boycott of Vancouver Hyatt.
'Biggest Rollback of Worker Rights in Canadian History'
That's how one scholar terms Campbell-era policies. Part two of the decade's top 10 labour stories.
The Decade's Top Labour Stories In BC
Ten key ways working in this province changed in the Campbell era. First of two parts.
Off the Bus: Fired Driver Says He's a Victim of Politics
Marwan Marwan says he's no 'time thief' and views against war, racism, pollution cost his job.
John Sloan's Gift to the Fragile Elderly
The BC doctor and author advocates a more dignified, less expensive way to help frail seniors.
Right and Left Agree: Tax Financial Activities
At Vancouver labour meet, world financial leaders align with trade union reform agenda, sort of.
Global Labour Frames Future in Vancouver
Nine-hundred delegates from all over the world to vote on green social justice agenda.
What Do We Owe Our Guest Workers?
Debate rises over how to lower abuse, and whether to make staying easier.
Will BC's New Teaching Universities Try to Break Their Unions?
Administration letters have faculty associations worried.
EI Running out for 500,000 Unemployed Canadians
Stretch the program, urges labour, pointing to system's $55 billion surplus.
Don't Dare Use Students as Scabs during Olympics: CUPE
Paramedics union considering boycott if student volunteers handle Games emergencies.
Budget Hits Will 'Basically Gut' AIDS Vancouver
Lower Mainland HIV service groups say government funding cuts will end up costing public more.
Philippines Bloody for Unionists, But Invest There Says Ottawa
Canada's government is too quiet on abuses say human rights advocates.
Put aside $3 Billion for the Kids
That's how much more BC needs to spend on vulnerable pre-schoolers, say researchers. They call it a bargain.
The View from a HandyDart Driver's Seat
People are mad at strikers for stranding the disabled. Here's another side you haven't heard.
Daycare Serving BC's Poorest Forced to Dump Kids
Funding cuts ignore research on early childhood investment, say advocates.
Halt For-Profit Clinics: UBCM Resolution
BC municipalities to ponder denouncing 'private, for-profit surgical and MRI/CT facilities.'
Labour Pains at the Nurses Union
BCNU punished for 'raiding' other unions in drive to gain associate members.
Supreme Court Showdown for Private Clinics
How two BC lawsuits could change health care in Canada.
Housing Policies Could Help Prevent AIDS, Says Study
Research on B.C. needle drug users links homelessness to unsafe sex and persistent addiction.
When Unions Collide
Telecom workers union imposes 'soft lockout' on its own professional staff.
More Legal Twists to Migrant Workers' Unionizing Attempt
Greenway Farms loses try at decertifying, but matter isn't closed.
Setback for Historic Effort to Unionize Guest Farm Workers
Shuffled work force votes to decertify UFCW.
Tension High at Abortion Clinics
Diatribe against 'Tiller the Killer' circulated by Canadian anti-choice group.
James, Campbell Make Their Pitches to Trade Union Members
The leaders on public works, job safety, training, the minimum wage and more.
Province's New Counting Makes Homeless Disappear, Say Critics
Numbers just for internal use says ministry.
'Working Alone' Safeguards Slide
Outraged father of 'gas and dash' victim says officials eroded 'Grant's Law.'
Jobless? Why You Might Not Get Employment Insurance
'Reforms' fattened surpluses, failed to prepare for bad times say critics.
Illegal Law Cost $84 Million, but Abbott Has No Regrets
Health worker: Bill 29 wrecked my life.
Fixing the Real Economy
Labour economist Jim Stanford focuses on workers, not paper wealth.
Lift Kids Out of Poverty, Protect Their Brains
UBC researcher adds to growing data on physical cost of being young and poor.
Factory Grabs by Workers Coming?
If bailouts fail to save jobs, unions may crank up militant tactics.
A Prairie Marxist's Memoir
From young communist to senior citizen fighting for health rights. At 95, Ben Swankey tells his story.
Top Private Health Player in BC Slammed for 'Windfall' Profits
John Laing firm rebuked in parliament of UK, where it is based.
The Meltdown, Seen from Below
What union leaders, labour experts and anti-poverty activists say needs to be done.
BC Artificial Hip Suppliers Kick up Investigations
Some devices recalled; kickbacks probed in US.
Autism Parents Seek Clout in Federal Election
Activists target ridings with thin margins.
Foreign Farm Workers Unionize: A First in BC
Seasonal labourers in Surrey claim bad conditions, vote to join UFCW.
Law Suit a Tar Sands Stopper?
Win for Alberta Cree band could clog up oil ambitions.
Casino Workers Buck Odds
Win right to join union in lean times for organizers.
Secret Factories for 2010
VANOC won't tell sweatshop watchdogs where Olympics gear is made.
Eighty Jailed and Sent Home
Mexicans seeking work tricked, detained, sent home.
School Bus Drivers Parked at 65?
Force retirement, say some districts, despite new law.
Worst Sports Injury: Worker Abuse
Vanoc, Nike, labour reps to confer at Olympics sweatshop forum.
Bitter Juice at Sun-Rype?
After strike, Pattison's plant is like 'prison' says unionist.
BC's Homeless Death Toll: 56 or More in Two Years
Tally of homeless deaths released to Tyee by chief coroner.
Librarians Claim Pay Equity Win
Contract ends long Victoria dispute over gender, wages.
Ethical Buying Gains Steam
York U. signs on as activists pressure 2010 Olympics organizers.
Canada Line Tunnellers Axed
Union claims laid-off workers punished for labour activism.
Ladner and Vision: Who Courted Whom?
NPA councillor discussed switching sides, claims De Genova.
Sears Contract on the Fritz
Canada's last company appliance repair workers walk picket line.
Hotel Union on a Roll
Suburban hotels check into new world of labour relations.
Victoria Library Strike Escalates
Pay equity at centre of four-month dispute.
Aid Kids with Special Needs: Study
Report slams chronic 'underfunding' in BC schools.
Deadly Boom
Rising job related deaths prompt safety calls.
Philippines a Bloody Zone for Labour Activists
Only Colombia is riskier for union organizers.
Jimmy Pattison the Juice behind Kelowna Strike?
Sun-Rype picketers wonder who's really squeezing them.
Former UK Health Minister to Campbell: 'Don't Do It'
Blair cabinet member warns against private care.
Newsroom Staff Cut at Vancouver's Big Papers
Ahead: Fewer news jobs, more news 'platforms.'
Work Outsourced from Sun, Province Newsrooms
Sun editor: union concerns over local control 'pretty silly.'
Ikea's Latest Model: Equal Pay
Fight against two-tier contracts shifts to Safeway, other BC chains.
Big Senior Home Chain Has Thick File of Complaints
Health minister refuses to probe firm that owns Beacon Hill Villa.
Hotel Workers Near Settling
On eve of strike, union recommends approval of new contract offer.
Hospitality Workers Flash Anger
March sweeps through big Vancouver hotel.
Vancouver's Library Strike: Women's Pay on the Line
Men get nearly $6 more hourly for similar work, says union.
Posh Hotels, Painful Jobs
Room attendants press for better conditions.
'Bottleneck' Blamed for Strike
GVRD employers' rep overloaded, slow, says union.
Supreme Court Labour's Friend?
Don't assume, says author of 'The Corporation.'
Campbell's Health 'Conversation' Drives to a Point
Scant support for private fixes, say attendees.
More Firings, Health Workers Claim
Top court ruling hasn't slowed layoffs says union.
Can Vancouver Fend off Olympics Sweatshops?
China's abuses 'a warning bell' for 2010.
Campbell Government Violated Charter Rights: Supreme Court
Tearing up health union contracts ruled unconstitutional.
'Our Parents Aren't Widgets'
Anger and anxiety as layoff trend hits senior care.
Union Padlocks a Union
Staffers up their tactics against BC teachers union.
Farm Worker Safety Improved
Battle is only half-won, say advocates.
With Labour Scarce, Where Are Women in Trades?
Confab to tackle barriers females face.
Farmworker Safeguards Stalled Say Critics
A month after deadly crash, still waiting for reforms.
Cheap Rooms Off the Block?
Rare deal could save Eastside SRO.
Labour Double-Standards Blamed for Farmworkers' Deaths
Relatives, unions decry declining standards.
Tricked and Exploited?
Supermarket chain grabs passports, coerces immigrant workers, suit alleges.
'This is Poverty Row'
Jostling for jobs on Vancouver's Cash Corner.
Gordo's 'Conversation' Takes Surprising Twist
Public health care endorsed at Vancouver Board of Trade event.
Fraser Health Authority Said No to Private Approach
Chair, since resigned, was overruled in decision to reject P3 model for facility.
Coke Bust Spurs Union Audit
Ironworkers Local 97 'shocked' by officer's drug smuggling charges.
Lethal Design at Sullivan Mine?
Four deaths might have been prevented says frustrated physics instructor.
Vancouver: Medicare Dies Here?
Showdown over private 'urgent care' clinic.
Taking Stock as BC Fed Turns 50
Some views on labour's achievements, challenges.
Costa Rican Tunnellers Told Strike Would Kill Project
Union charging unfair labour practices.
Coroner's Inquest Demanded in Sullivan Mine Deaths
Family, union and MLA reject government report.
In Prince Rupert, Scarce Fish Mean Hungry Winter
Jobless rate soars, union seeks EI 'dignity.'
Guest Worker Contract Dubious Alleges Union Lawyer
Costa Rican digging Vancouver tunnel testifies firm promised far less pay than official documents reflect.
Chinese Protester Attacked in Vancouver
Falun Gong meditator beaten outside Chinese consulate.
Canadian Ironworkers Shut out of Big Bridge Job, Say Unions, Contractors
German firm’s plan for guest workers sparks anger.
Fraction of HIV Residents Getting Treatment in Downtown Eastside
Experts: 'Definitely a shortfall.'
SRO Hotel Evictions Mount
Critics see trend tied to Olympics, gentrification.
Swedes' U-Turn on Private Care
Voters quickly shut down experiment. Did Premier Campbell take notes?
UK Health Chief Quits as System Plunges into Financial Crisis
'Reformed' system faces $1.6 billion shortfall.
The UK Health Care Briefing Gordon Campbell Isn't Getting
Private deals drove up costs, slashed care, say critics.
Does BC Really Need 20,000 Global Temps?
Foreign workers a poor fix for Olympic overruns say unions.
Police 'Trashed' Low Income Hotel, Residents Charge
Going to court over alleged bust-up blitz.
Sardine Harvest a Threat to Mighty Humpbacks?
Alarms by BC scientists, tour operators don't convince DFO.
DFO Paid Top Official to Work for Fish Farm Boosters
Critics charge conflict of interest, slam DFO credibility.
Canada Pushes ‘Suicide Seed’ Trials
Government advocacy of field testing for genetically modified sterile seeds is rebuked in Bangkok.
Life Is a Gravy Boat at BC Ferries
Two-tier lounges aren’t the only examples of privilege at the quasi-private corporation.
Luxury Class Coming to B.C. Ferries
Corporation confirms plans to try out swank ‘premium lounges’ on two ships. See you in steerage.
Must Hope Melt, Too?
What to read if global warming has you hot and bothered.
When Preachers Spew Hate
Calling in cops and lawyers won't affirm the cherished values Sheik Kathadra violates.
Pensions Deep into Weapons, Toxins, Sweatshops
The Canadian Pension Plan makes no apologies for its big shift into stocks, including Walmart and 15 top military contractors.
Our Olympics Can Benefit All
But only if B.C. learns key lessons from Athens, and especially Sydney.
- Appeal court upholds ruling on protection of orca habitat
- Foreign takeover score is 14,218 to two calculates Mel Hurtig, who speaks Saturday
- Abbott blames teachers' union, hints at legislation
- Greens exaggerating fracking fears 'to control you': Santorum
- Prime Minister Harper mixes oil with human rights on visit to China
- Civil jury finds former BC premier Vander Zalm guilty of defamation
- Vancouver theatre runs down curtain on section of BC's outdated liquor laws
- BC Premier Clark to replace throne speech with radio appearance
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- 'The Kids Are All Right'
- 'Leave Your Shoes On'
- Glaciers, BC Hydro's Melting 'Batteries'
- Frankie Rose Makes Life Tougher for Journalists
- Too Much Energy Used to Mine, Move Bitumen Says BC Firm
- Could SOPA Pervade Canadian Copyright Law?
- Would You Buy a Used Car from These Libs?
- Becoming the Ethical Hunter
- Economist Calls Gateway Pipeline an Inflationary 'Threat'
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- Economist Calls Gateway Pipeline an Inflationary 'Threat'
- Bill Rees' Last Lecture
- Too Much Energy Used to Mine, Move Bitumen Says BC Firm
- Is Canada Ignoring Signs of a Coming Economic Collapse?
- How First Nations Are Gearing Up for Legal Battle Against Gateway
- Eleven Oily Questions for Every MP
- Harper in China
- Bruce Carson Scandal Greased by Harper's Oil Sands Agenda
- BC Child Care Advocates in Geneva to Complain to UN
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- Make It the Canadian Webcasting Corporation
- Harper in China
- When the Prize Is a Chance to Toil on BC's Farms
- Three Ryan Gosling Pickup Techniques that Don't Work in Real Life
- BC, You Love You
- Would You Buy a Used Car from These Libs?
- Foreign Trade Zones Eyed for Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Prince George
- Skating into 2012, More Resolutions
- Glaciers, BC Hydro's Melting 'Batteries'
- Scientists unveil bold new definition of addiction
- The most hellish ‘internships’: China sends 100,000 teens to work for a pittance at Foxconn making gadgets for Apple, others
- World Press Photo Contest: Editor’s choice pictures of the day
- Banks come first in a Greek rescue plan
- We’re more unequal than you think
- Cambodia launched restaurants for vultures
- Flavored vodka: sign of the imminent apocalypse?
- With Obama’s new foreclosure deal big banks win again
