News

The author Vigdis Hjorth is awarded UNI Europa's Cultural Prize for the book “Long Live the Post Horn!” which was published in 2012.

Hjorth was awarded the prize as she portrayed the Norwegian Trade Union POSTKOM's struggle against the EU's Third Postal Directive, in excellent fashion.

Ellinor, the main character in the book is a communications consultant. She seeks seriousness and sincerity in her existence. When faced with the union's and postal workers' challenges she finds answers to her own existential questions.

The author conveyed her honour and pride in receiving this prize from UNI Europa.

"Postal services are an important part of our civilizational fabric, and I think that is why this book has been received with such frank success" said Vigdis Hjorth.

It is the Norwegian trade union POSTKOM that nominated Vigdis Hjorth for the European Culture Prize from UNI Europa.

"The book shows that trade union struggles can be great literature. The book provides great insight into what unionisation is about and what can be achieved when workers and citizens stand together" said Oliver Roethig, UNI Europa Regional Secretary.

"The book portrays our struggle against the Postal Directive in an excellent manner. It is therefore well deserved that Hjorth gets this cultural award from the European trade union federation. Postmen are the modern heroes of this book. The book is a reminder of how politics affects the daily lives of ordinary people and postal workers" said Odd Christian Overland, union leader in POSTKOM.

UNI Europa’s Culture Prize was handed to Hjorth personally at the UNI Europa Executive Committee meeting in Athens on 6 May 2014.