Page 14 - Work Force October 2025

Haverstraw library workers organize with CSEA Haverstraw library workers organize with CSEA
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
Above, 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.
Cabasino named New York State
Lifeguard of the Year
LONG BEACH — CSEA City of Long Beach
Lifeguards Unit President Timothy Cabasino
arrived at the beach, thinking he and his wife
were going to watch the Long Island Lifeguarding
Championship.
Little did Cabasino know that all eyes would
soon be on him when he was named the New York
State Lifeguard of the Year at the event.
The honor is presented annually at the Long
Island Lifeguarding Championship in Smith Point
Beach. The award is presented by the Smith Point
Lifeguards, a group dedicated to promoting ocean
rescue and lifesaving excellence.
The award is one of many recognitions
Cabasino has received in his career, which
includes 15 Long Island championships and four
national titles. He has also represented the United
States in four World Lifesaving Championships,
competing against top lifeguards from around the
world.
Cabasino’s wife asked him to attend the Long
Island Lifeguarding Championship under the guise
of curiosity as she has never attended.
All the while, she knew her husband would be
presented with the award and wanted him to be
surprised.
“The guy who was given an award before
me was in the Navy, a war veteran, captain of a
beach patrol for over 30 years, and is basically
Superman,” said Cabasino. “I couldn’t believe
that I was being awarded in the same five-minute
span as a man who had a lifetime of incredible
achievements. I was shocked when they called my
name.”
Cabasino began lifeguarding at age 16. Almost
20 years later, and a perfect record with no
drownings on his watch, Cabasino continues to
lifeguard every summer. During the rest of the
year, he is a high school science teacher.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I am
becoming the kind of mentor that other lifeguards
were to me when I started,” said Cabasino. “I get
14 The Work Force From left, CSEA City of Long Beach Lifeguards
Unit President Timothy Cabasino and City
Manager Dan Creighton. (Photo published by City
of Long Beach Instagram)
the same joy about the summer coming that I
used to get when I was 16. I always say that I am a
teacher and a ‘beacher.’”
— Wendi Bowie
October 2025