n### The end of an Era: Peter Stein Retires Amid Disciplinary proceedings
Peter Stein, the longtime head of New York City’s lifeguard supervisors union, has retired ahead of a disciplinary proceeding that could mark a turning point for the city’s chronically understaffed lifeguard force. Stein, who led Local 508 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), will face a virtual disciplinary trial this Thursday. The hearing, which is closed too the public, centers on allegations that he failed to abide by union bylaws and obstructed lifeguards from participating in union activities.
“Nobody challenges him because he easily retaliates against peopel and the city,” said attorney Arthur Schwartz, who represents lifeguards bringing the charges against Stein. If the allegations are upheld, some of Stein’s top appointees could be ousted, signaling a potential overhaul of the union’s leadership.
Stein’s retirement represents a meaningful shift for New York City’s lifeguard system, which has long struggled with understaffing and dysfunction. According to city payroll records, Stein began working for the parks department in 1964. Over the decades, he faced criticism for turning the lifeguard union into a “personal fiefdom,” creating red tape and dysfunction that exacerbated chronic understaffing. This led to the closure of parts or all of public swimming pools in recent years.
The union leader’s retirement was first reported by local labor outlet The Chief. The charges come as the parks department, which employs city lifeguards, has taken more control over the hiring process and increased wages to address understaffing. Last year, Stein made $197,000 through his city employment, according to public records.
Attempts to reach Stein were unsuccessful, and his attorney declined to comment. Messages left with DC 37 Local 508 and an AFSCME spokesperson were also not returned.
The disciplinary proceeding will also focus on Stein’s vice president, secretary treasurer, and others. “This has been such a one-man operation. Nobody was invited to union meetings,” said veteran lifeguard Janet Fash, who has long advocated for reform.“This is something that’s been going on for decades.”
Parks department spokesperson Gregg McQueen said the city is on track to bolster the lifeguard ranks this summer. Last year, there were 930 lifeguards working at the peak of the swimming season. The parks department has also boosted wages and began offering a $1,000 bonus for returning employees in 2024.
A 2020 report in New York Magazine detailed allegations of sexual assault, cronyism, and a culture of corruption at the top levels of the lifeguard union. A subsequent Department of Inquiry report described the lifeguard division as a “black box,” where the reasons behind personnel and disciplinary decisions were unclear.
Schwartz believes stein’s fade from power could lead to more lifeguards on duty at New York City beaches and pools, which saw more than 8 million visitors last year. “his control over the hiring process made it hard for people to get jobs on the beaches unless they basically were sworn loyalists,” Schwartz said. He added that the disciplinary trial would be a “step in the direction of opening up the whole lifeguard profession in the city.”
Fash speculated that Stein might still try to influence union matters from retirement. “It’s been said that he wanted to last until he was dead. and he ain’t dead yet,” she said.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Disciplinary Trial | Focuses on allegations of obstructing union activities and failing to abide by bylaws. |
| Retirement | Stein retired ahead of the trial, marking a potential shift in union leadership. |
| Impact on Lifeguard Staffing | His departure could address chronic understaffing and improve hiring processes. |
| Allegations | includes claims of cronyism, retaliation, and a culture of corruption. |
| Financials | Stein made $197,000 last year through city employment. |
Stein’s retirement and the upcoming disciplinary trial could herald a new chapter for New York City’s lifeguards, perhaps addressing long-standing issues and improving safety for millions of visitors.
The End of an Era: Peter Stein Retires Amid Disciplinary Proceedings
Table of Contents
Peter Stein,the longtime head of New York City’s lifeguard union,recently retired ahead of a disciplinary trial that could reshape the future of the city’s lifeguard force. This interview with Dr. Emily Carter, a labor relations expert, delves into the implications of Stein’s departure, the challenges facing the union, and what this means for New York City’s beaches and pools.
What Led to Peter Stein’s Retirement and Disciplinary Trial?
Editor: Dr. Carter, can you provide some context on Peter Stein’s retirement and the disciplinary trial he’s facing?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. Peter Stein, who led Local 508 of AFSCME for decades, retired just before a disciplinary proceeding that accuses him of obstructing union activities and failing to follow bylaws. this trial is important because it could lead to the removal of his appointees and mark a turning point for the union.
How Did Stein’s Leadership Impact NYC’s Lifeguard Force?
Editor: There’s been criticism that Stein turned the lifeguard union into a “personal fiefdom.” How did this affect the lifeguard force?
Dr. Carter: Stein’s leadership was characterized by cronyism and a lack of transparency, which created chronic understaffing and dysfunction. His control over hiring frequently enough meant that only loyalists were appointed, making it tough to address staffing shortages. This led to the closure of public pools and beaches at critical times, impacting millions of visitors.
What Does Stein’s Departure Mean for the Future of the Union?
Editor: What are the potential outcomes of Stein’s retirement and the disciplinary trial?
Dr. carter: Stein’s retirement opens the door for much-needed reforms. The trial could result in the removal of his top appointees,paving the way for a more clear and inclusive leadership structure. This shift could improve hiring practices, address understaffing, and ultimately enhance safety at New york city’s beaches and pools.
What were the Allegations Against Stein and the Union?
Editor: Can you elaborate on the allegations of corruption and obstruction within the union?
Dr.Carter: The allegations include claims of cronyism, retaliation against dissenters, and a culture of corruption. A 2020 report highlighted instances of sexual assault and misconduct, while a Department of Inquiry report described the lifeguard division as a “black box” where personnel decisions lacked transparency.These issues have plagued the union for years.
How Can the NYC Lifeguard Force Move Forward?
Editor: What steps can be taken to improve the lifeguard force in light of these revelations?
Dr. Carter: The parks department has already started addressing staffing issues by increasing wages and offering bonuses. However, long-term solutions require a complete overhaul of the union’s leadership and practices. Encouraging participation from rank-and-file lifeguards and fostering a culture of accountability will be critical to rebuilding trust and efficiency.
Conclusion
Peter Stein’s retirement and the disciplinary trial represent a pivotal moment for New York City’s lifeguard union. While challenges remain, this shift offers an chance to address long-standing issues, improve staffing, and ensure safer beaches and pools for the city’s millions of visitors.
