We're Voting YES!

Brad, UAlbany, GSEU-CWA Local 1104 Business Agent
Graduate workers are the backbone of the University. Voting yes for the union empowers our collective voices in upholding workplace democracy and the academic excellence of our institution.
 

Shirley, UAlbany, Comms, GSEU-CWA 1104, Chief Steward

For international students, especially, union representation has meant access to crucial resources, such as help with SEVIS fees and guidance on tax or visa-related questions. RAs contribute just as much to the university’s research mission and deserve the same rights.

Jordan, President, GSA UAlbany
As a TA at UAlbany, union membership gives us real benefits like professional development funds, mentorship, and support when issues arise - especially around safety. But my coworkers who are RAs don’t have the same protections or resources yet. It’s urgent to organize RAs—so they can win fair contracts, stronger protections, and better working conditions alongside us.
 

 Yu-Sheng, RA, UAlbany, Chemistry
We’re getting paid as little as possible for our work. We’re highly specialized, skilled workers. So I support the union.
 

Darin, RA, UAlbany, Chemistry
I support the union so we raise the standards across the board for all RA's.
 

Shyrill, RA, UAlbany, ESE
RAs deserve the proper benefits and safeguards as employees. We can ensure that as a union of ALL RAs at UAlbany.
 

 Jing, RA, UAlbany, Chemistry

Gregory, RA, UAlbany, Chemistry
I support unions for all workers. We deserve the benefits too.

Derick, UAlbany, CEHC
A union would give all RAs a peer-based and professional support network where all RAs can confidently seek help beyond what the university provides. GAs and TAs have had a union — it’s time for RAs to join one too.

Katie, RA, UAlbany, Chemistry
Because I want a raise. RAs are always the last ones to get one! Better late than never to unionize.

Vishal, UAlbany, Physics
Unionizing isn’t just about wages, it’s about dignity. We teach, we research, we write, we build. A union ensures our work is valued, our voices are heard, and our rights are defended.
 

Shannon, UAlbany, English
Research Assistants elevate the university’s and SUNY’s status as one of the finest network of research institutions in the country. This work deserves to be compensated fairly so that the people contributing to this prestige of our institutions can not just survive, but thrive.

Ching-I, UAlbany, Edu Psych & Method
TA/GAs have their union, GSEU, and together we’ve won a better stipend, better health insurance, a bonus check, and so much more. We want to do these for RAs too! 

Marla, UAlbany, Philosophy
Union representation has provided me support for my academic freedom at this time it's being attacked. Unionizing RAs will offer our research assistants these critical protections so they can worry less about basic needs, and more about the important research they are involved in.
 

Andrew, EVP Education Division, CWA Local 1104
A single scientist can’t fight illegal cuts to research grants on their own. Thousands of scientists working together can. In the union’s Education Division we do have thousands. As a union of researchers, we’re working with our allies in elected government, university leadership, and the broader community to fight back and restore funding. We will win. Join us!

Sean, Stony Brook RA, Materials Science
Having a union has led to better pay for myself and my friends as well as a removal of the fees my university used to ask me to pay.

Olivia, Stony Brook RA, Geosciences
Having more RA unions would mean that more brilliant young researchers would be fairly compensated for their expertise!

Gabby, SUNY Buffalo, Psychology
UB relies on our labor as graduate workers. We need to ensure we are treated respectfully and compensated fairly. Being a part of the union is important to me because when I want my voice to be heard, I know that it is amplified by the collective and that together we have the power to effect change.

Eugene, SUNY Buffalo, Comparative Literature
Labor unions and movements for justice matter because we realize that we are already deeply connected. By acting together, we achieve here-and-now sparks of strength and care for a better world to come.
 

Jenna, SUNY Buffalo, Comp. Earth Sciences
Research assistants generate knowledge for the scholarly community and society at large. We deserve to have our voices heard by SUNY.

Mahmood, Binghamton RA, Mechanical Engineering
When we stand as one, our voices grow louder and our power becomes unstoppable in the fight for our rights.

Holly, Binghamton RA, Biomed Engineering
Without a union I feel like RAs are in a grey space where other coworkers are protected but we are not. I want a union for RAs so that we can have a similar support system for TAs and GAs!

Akbar, Binghamton RA, Mechanical Engineering
Together, we have the power to raise our voices and protect our rights.
 

David, SUNY ESF RA Bargaining Committee Member
I strongly believe that workers must exercise their right to organize. Today we find ourselves near the bottom of this cycle after decades of anti-union activity and if we do not make a stand and be part of this movement today, we not only risk our own conditions but send the message to employers in general that workers aren't willing to stand up for themselves and each other.

Amal, Fordham University, English
True change begins when workers stand together in solidarity. I'm excited to join Albany RA's in your fight for better working conditions.

Valentina, SUNY Stony Brook, Hispanic Languages
One of the most important things about being in a union for me is the community; especially as an international student, finding a space where we can feel safe sharing our political beliefs and opinions, and having a common cause. I come from a country where activism is a great part of our culture and particularly of the student life, we always have to be defending our rights.