As new REC chair and award honoree, Zabinski continues to show up
SYRACUSE — Kathy Zabinski has spent nearly four decades fighting for CSEA members, and retirement has done little to slow her down.
A CSEA member since 1987, Zabinski retired from Onondaga County Correctional in 2017 after serving as a unit officer, local officer, region officer and member of the union’s Board of Directors. She became active with Syracuse Area Retirees Local 913 immediately after retiring and now serves as the local president.
In addition to her local office, Zabinski recently became our union’s Retiree Executive Committee chair, which oversees CSEA’s Retiree Division. Zabinski, who had previously served as the committee’s vice chair, replaced Bernadette Giambra in the position.
“I thank Bernie [Giambra] for her hard work and dedication to the Retirees and wish her well in her future endeavors,” said Zabinski. “As REC Chair, I look forward to continuing the hard work and challenges that our retirees face every day, such as SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, and pension security.”
Webster Award honoree
For her continued commitment to CSEA and our union members, Zabinski was also presented with the 2026 Donald Webster Memorial Mission Achievement Award at the 2026 Retiree Delegates Meeting.
“It was an honor to think that people think that highly of me and see and understand the work that I’m doing,” said Zabinski.
The award recognizes members who exemplify the spirit of activism and dedication to CSEA’s mission.
St. Lawrence County Retiree Local 923 President Colleen Wheaton, who nominated Zabinski, highlighted her years of service at the local and region levels, as well as her continued activism since retirement.
“Kathy is one of those people that if you ask her to help out, she is there,” wrote Wheaton. “She steps up every time when asked to do phone banks, campaigns, events within the region or statewide.”
Zabinski also travels throughout the Central Region to attend active local meetings and events, where she talks with members about the importance of joining a retiree local. She credits Central Region President Kenny Greenleaf for encouraging the region’s retirees to be active and involved.
“Kathy is exactly the kind of activist we want to see in our retiree locals,” said Greenleaf. “Retirement doesn’t mean you stop being part of the union or stop fighting for the benefits you earned. Kathy continues to show up, share her knowledge and encourage others to stay involved. She is a tremendous asset to CSEA and to our entire region.”
Continuing the fight for working people
For Zabinski, retirement is not an end to union activism. It is an opportunity to continue fighting for the benefits members earned during their careers.
Zabinski regularly helps members navigate the retirement process, answering questions about pensions, health insurance and Social Security. She said many members are surprised by how much they need to know before retiring.
“Your pension is not given to you; you earned that pension,” said Zabinski. “I want to make sure you get everything you’re entitled to because you worked for it.”
Her advice is simple: Start planning early.
“You plan for a vacation,” said Zabinski. “Why aren’t you planning for your retirement?”
Zabinski said fear is often one of the biggest obstacles for members considering retirement. Some worry about finances, health insurance or what they will do with their time after leaving the workforce.
She encourages members to look at retirement as an opportunity rather than something to fear.
“I’m busier now than when I was working,” said Zabinski, pointing to volunteering, union activities and other opportunities to stay involved.
Zabinski also emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between the New York State and Local Retirement System and employer-provided health insurance. She said retirees frequently have questions about their pension, health coverage and whether Social Security will be available when they become eligible.
Those concerns are part of why she believes retirees need to remain active in CSEA.
“Activism is what you make it,” said Zabinski. “It’s become my daily life to provide information to people, to fight for retiree benefits and fight for people still working.”
Zabinski said retiree locals give members a way to continue that fight. For $36 a year, retired members can remain connected to CSEA and retain most of the benefits they had as active members, while also having access to retiree-specific programs and benefits.
“The biggest part of being involved is fighting for things for our livelihood, such as our retirement,” said Zabinski.
Whether advocating for pensions, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid or the benefits of active CSEA members, Zabinski sees the work as bigger than any one group.
“If we advocate for better pensions and Social Security, we’re not just helping CSEA members, we’re helping everyone,” said Zabinski. “I want to make sure everyone gets what they earned.”
For Zabinski, the Webster Award is another recognition of a commitment that began nearly 40 years ago and continues today. Her message to members approaching retirement is just as direct:
“Your pension is not given to you, you earned it. Protect it,” said Zabinski. “Same with your health benefits. They’re a rare commodity these days.”
— Nicholas Newcomb