Haverstraw library workers organize with CSEA

Workers from our union’s new Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library Unit gathered at the Rockland County Local Office for a gathering celebrating their new union.

HAVERSTRAW — Our union family has grown with the addition of workers from the Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, the most recent addition of cultural workers into CSEA amid a trend of workers in that sector organizing unions.

The workers previously had an independent staff association but opted to strengthen their voice by joining our CSEA family. 

Through their CSEA membership, the workers now have access to our union’s support and resources and gain connections in their industry through the growing network of library workers in our international union, AFSCME. 

The support for joining CSEA was so strong that library trustees voted to approve voluntary recognition of the workers’ union.

While the group previously operated within an association, the new CSEA bargaining unit has support on the ground from leaders and activists from the Rockland County Local. Leaders recently hosted workers for a gathering at the local office in New City to celebrate their new union.

“We’re excited to welcome Haverstraw library workers into the CSEA family, and we’ve let them know our local will be there alongside them as they build a strong union and work to finalize a contract,” said Rockland County Local President Chris Vogel.

Negotiations are already underway for the workers’ first contract.

— Jessica Ladlee

Workers from our union’s new Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library Unit gathered at the Rockland County Local Office for a gathering celebrating their new union.