From librarians to lifeguards, thousands of new members have joined the NYSUT family since the 2008 RA. There are 17 new local unions or bargaining units that now have a stronger voice on the job.

"NYSUT chooses to grow, thanks to our cadre of union organizers," said NYSUT president Dick Iannuzzi in a presentation to RA delegates.

The union numbers more than 600,000 members across the state. The new members are an eclectic lot but united in their desire for a better life.

The New York State Lifeguard Corps consists of 1,200 state lifeguards, some full-time, others employed only during the summer. They work at pools, lakes and beaches across the state.

In Suffolk County, NYSUT recently organized the Riverhead Library Association work force. The Devereux Foundation, a private-sector school in the Hudson Valley for severely challenged children, joins 20 other locals in so-called 853 Schools represented by NYSUT.

The addition of Buffalo United Charter and the Oracle Charter High School gives 40 percent of the city's charter school educators union coverage.

Some recently organized units are seeing the gains from union membership. The more than 2,000 adjuncts at Pace and Syracuse universities have settled their first contracts.

Their new rights on the job include just cause disciplinary provisions, salary increases and health benefits.

Other locals are continuing their efforts to win a first bargaining agreement.