Roger Cook Badass Award

Do you know a Roger Cook Badass? Nominate them for this year's award!

Named in honor of former WNYCOSH Executive Director Roger Cook, the Roger Cook Badass Award honors WNY’ers who have gone above and beyond to defend workers!

A Roger Cook Badass inspires people to take take action, to defend others and to lead.
A Roger Cook Badass stands up for other people. In the words of Big Bill Haywood, “An Injury to One is an Injury to All.”
A Roger Cook Badass fights for the underdog, even when there is not promise of success.
A Roger Cook Badass is willing to take risks in defense of workers, speaking truth to power.
A Roger Cook Badass is committed to workers’ rights and the labor movement.
A Roger Cook Badass is innovative, looking for new ways to solve intractable problems.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE ON MAY 30, 2026

Do you know a Roger Cook Badass? Please nominate them below.

Each year we will honor 2 Roger Cook Badasses which can include one honored posthumously. Recipients will be chosen by the WNYCOSH membership.

Roger Cook Badass Award Nomination

To nominate someone for the award, please fill out the form below

Flyer for the Roger Cook Badass Award. Photos of the previous recipients, a QR code, and the awards. The awards are clear class fists, in front of a window with bright vblue skies outside.

Past Recipients

2025

Roger Cook, WNYCOSH Founder

Mary Nowocien, CWA 1168

John Mudie, CWA 1122