About me

 

I am Peter Kelly. I currently work as a regular second cook aboard the Coastal Inspiration at Duke point in Nanaimo, Local 2.

I have been a member of this union and worked for BC Ferries since December 1999. I've been a shop steward for over 15 years. I have attended four union conventions as a delegate.

I served a term as Local 2 President from 2015-18.

I have authored hundreds of bargaining and constitutional resolutions. I spearheaded the local 2 re-write of local bylaws that hadn't been updated since 1986.

I was local 2's first communications officer before such a position existed. I saw a need for better union/member communications after seeing a 'bulletin' for a local meeting pinned to a wall using a scrap of paper; scribbled almost as an afterthought. 

I founded the Nanaimo Ferryworkers Facebook group in June of 2007 after witnessing some problematic inter-union communications. We were the first to do this, now we're the largest and most active.

I have served on the local's grievance committee and resolutions committee too.

I live in Nanaimo with my son (age 11) and elderly mother; plus a puppy and old cranky cat.

I know that covid19 has been hard on all of us; some worse off than others. It sure seems like we're powerless and alone. But we have each other - and despite all the setbacks, our strength is our ability to weather the storm. This too shall pass.

I see that our number one priority in the next executive is a restoration of morale across the fleet. I believe this is done by challenging the employer on any and all apparent breaches in the collective agreement. Its one thing to fight a battle and lose, its quite another to lose a battle you never show up for.