Page 7 - NYCDCC The Carpenter, Spring/Summer 2020

News & Notes

Meet the New Business Agents

PETER BRERETON
Peter Brereton has been a member of the District Council since
2000. Born in England, Peter immigrated with his family to
Rockland County, New York, where he currently resides. During
his time in the union, Peter held several leadership positions
including serving as a trustee for Local 2287, serving on the trial
committee, and eventually becoming delegate. Now a Business
Agent, Peter says he hopes he can make a difference in the
union and increase the market share through his work. On why
the union is important, Peter says, “It raises the standard for all
labor and creates family-sustaining wages.”

JOSEPH REILLY
Joseph Reilly was born in Spanish Harlem in New York City, raised in Queens,
and currently resides in Westbury, Long Island, with his two teenage daughters. A
Golden Hammer winner, Joseph has over 20 years’ experience in the union. Joseph
began his career as an apprentice in Local 45 before becoming shop steward, a
trustee on the Executive Board, a recording secretary, and, finally, Vice President
of Local 45. Joseph said he loves his job because it allows for him to give back to
his community. A self-described “die-hard union man,” Joseph said the union is
important because it sets the standard for labor. “I worked non-union where I saw
the abuse and safety violations and the unprofessionalism of the non-union sector.
When I got into the union and saw the safety regulations and the professionalism,
I knew these guys were the real deal.” When asked what he loves best about the
union, Joseph said the camaraderie and diversity. “Your race, gender, or sexual
orientation do not matter. We’re all in this together and our diversity is our
strength. Diversity is how were going to last for the next 100 years.”

ROBERT FORSTER

Robert Forster is a lifelong Staten Island resident. He joined the
union through the pre-apprenticeship program Construction
Skills and now has eight-plus years in the union. Robert has
held multiple leadership positions in Local 20 including financial
secretary, treasurer, delegate. He also served as a member of
the trial committee, a political captain, and worked as a foreman
with Commodore Construction. On why the union is important,
Robert said, “It helps give people the best possible livelihood. It
makes it so you are not standing alone; you always have other
people fighting with you.”

SPRING/SUMMER 2020 | THE CARPENTER 7

8/5/20 1:08 PM
30543v2_NYCDCC_NL_SpringSummer2020.indd 7 8/5/20 1:08 PM
30543v2_NYCDCC_NL_SpringSummer2020.indd 7