October 4, 2019 - On Wednesday, September 25th, Peter Massy, a legendary activist of our predecessor Union, the Telecommunications Workers Union, passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Joining the Union in 1977 as an installer at BCTel, within a short time he became a Convention Delegate elected out of Prince George. Peter played an important role in the rank-and-file militancy that gave rise to the 1981 occupation of BCTel offices by members of the TWU. He later took this passion for activism into a leadership position in the Union, becoming an elected Business Agent in 1988. A skilled and renowned advocate for members rights, he remained entrusted with this position until 2005 when he was elected National Vice-President, just prior to the 5-month lockout of our members at Telus. Peter had even acted as President for a period.
Peter ended his official service in our Union in 2007, but has since continued to advocate for current and retired members as a Delegate of the former retiree’s Unit R55, and as an Executive member of the British Columbia Association of Retired Telecommunication Workers.
Peter Massy will be remembered for his no-nonsense attitude, wide-ranging knowledge of law, and complete commitment to the TWU and its members.
“There are many stories out there, and they all paint the same picture. Peter was larger than life, he was family,” said Donna Hokiro, Acting President of USW Local 1944. “He was admired by all. I’ve never met a person that doesn’t have the greatest of things to say about the man we’ve called friend and brother, he will be sorely missed. Our lives were most certainly made better because Peter was in them, and there are places in our hearts that Peter will forever live. Peter was the first male Executive Council Member to wear a pony tail, he was a magnificent man, and I loved him and will miss him.”
Of note: We will dedicate a section in our next 1944@Work magazine to Peter, which will elaborate on his life in the TWU. We also invite any person who has a story or pictures of Peter over the years to please send them in at communications@usw1944.ca and hopefully we can feature many of them.
Peter’s Celebration of Life will be held at Coast Chilliwack Hotel, 45920 First Avenue, Chilliwack, BC, on Saturday, October 19th, between 2–5 pm.
Standing in solidarity, we honour our departed Brother Peter Massy,
USW Local 1944
