WE'RE ALL IN FOR A UNION!

Andrew Dobbyn, PhD, 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. These cuts are not popular, they are not profitable, and they target essential research. They will be reserved. We will win. Join us!

Apa Dueñas, Fordham University, Philosophy

Because of our union contract, international grad workers like myself have the guarantee that we will retain funding and work assignments if we have to leave the country for visa processing. We have an emergency fund to fall back on if international workers experience financial hardship. And first year international workers no longer work for weeks without being paid while the university processes social security information. The protections for international grad workers that we secured in our union contract provide security and peace of mind to members like me.”

Ciarán Coyle, Fordham University, Philosophy

When lockdowns started in 2020, many grad workers at Fordham were locked out of the country and our university used this excuse to cut a year of funding from them. But at GSEU, grad workers in the same situation retained funding because of their union contract. This inequity became a core motivation for us in forming our union. We saw that a union and a legally binding contract were indispensable safeguards for all grad workers, and particularly for our international coworkers.

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.

Gabby Pascuzzi, 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.

Jenna Diamico, 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.

Olivia Koren, SUNY Stony Brook, Planetary Sciences

Having more RA unions would mean that more brilliant young 
researchers would be fairly compensated for their expertise! 

Sean Mascarenhas, SUNY Stony Brook

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.

Molly McCargar, Fordham University, Biology

All the work that has gone into bargaining our first union contract has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time in graduate school. It gave us huge financial wins by increasing base wages by 30%, eliminated the majority of our student fees, and established emergency funds that graduate students could apply for. Most importantly though, it gave us a say in our working conditions.

David Harris, SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry

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.

Eugene, SUNY Buffalo, Comparative Literature

Labor unions and movements for justice matter because we realize that we are already deeply connected. By acting together, unions and movements give us the here-and-now sparks of strength and care for a better world to come.

Amal Zaman, Fordham University, English

True change begins when workers stand together in solidarity. I'm excited to join Binghamton RA's in your fight for better working conditions.

Joey Sechrist, SUNY Buffalo, English

Despite doing the teaching, grading, and research work that is the backbone of higher education, graduate workers are treated as an exploitable labor force undeserving of the same protections and benefits of other university employees. That's why I'm proud to have a union which wins us higher wages every year, affordable health insurance, and gives us a real voice in determining the conditions of our work!

Thom Eichelberger-Young, SUNY Buffalo, English

I love my colleagues and know that we can have each other’s backs. We see everyday that we have to advocate so hard for good careers, and I’m proud to call for better labor practices.

Betty B. Du, SUNY Stony Brook, Life Sciences

With more power, we can better protect RAs in the workforce.

Kara, SUNY Stony Brook, Life Sciences

Having a union has saved me thousands of dollars in student fees.

Arun Singh, SUNY Buffalo, Chemical & Bio Engineering

RAs are the backbone of any research institute, and Binghamton is no different. Establishing an RA Union is essential to ensure that students' concerns can be raised with upper management, making them harder to ignore.

Nathan Lynch, SUNY Buffalo, Biology

I like unions because they're one of the only meaningful, systemic ways to redress the power imbalances of academia.

We're all in for a union!

"I support the formation of the Union for improving the life of a Research Assistant. It will not only help Research Assistants but also Teaching Assistants and Graduate Assistants as negotiations can be done together to get a good contract. So it will benefit all graduate students."

Visrut, Binghamton RA, ECE

"Together, we have the power to raise our voices and protect our rights.”

Akbar, Binghamton RA, Mechanical Engineering

"Graduate researchers are integral to the reputation and output of the university's research. We deserve benefits, rights, and representation to ensure livable and satisfactory work/ living conditions. We deserve to be treated like we are valued."

Liz, Binghamton TA, Psychology

"We’ve taken the time to think about real issues that RAs face, and have been working on actionable plans to make RA life better!"

Gavin, Binghamton TA (former RA), Psychology

"Together, we have the power to raise our voices and protect our rights.”

Akbar, Binghamton RA, Mechanical Engineering

"I support unionizing in order to protect graduate workers from exploitation."

Kevin, Binghamton RA, Physics

“I like the safety net that we do have a union to be able to protect us in situations even if it's not always needed and having someone advocate for our livelihood.”

Lidia, Binghamton RA, Chemistry

"The union at Binghamton University has made tremendous efforts in improving the working conditions and lives of the graduate students. As a research assistant, I continue to benefit from these initiatives brought forth by the union. I would love the opportunity to become an official member again so I can continue to directly support this organization and the graduate students on this campus!"

Andi, Binghamton RA, Psychology

"Whether we’re supported by RA or GA/TA lines, everyone’s contributions are important and appreciated. We all deserve representation regardless of the source of funding, so we can keep making exciting scientific progress!"

Ashley, Binghamton TA (former RA), Psychology

"The effort, quality, and dedication I put into my work does not change across funding lines. The protection and support I am offered shouldn't either."

Makenzie, Binghamton TA (former RA), Psychology

“To be represented, is to have your voice heard!”

Mohammad, Binghamton RA, Mechanical Engineering

"No matter our source of funding, I firmly believe that all graduate student workers deserve a community organization that protects our rights and advocates on our behalf for equitable and sustainable working environments as well as livable wages."

Sophia, Binghamton TA, Psychology

"I’m all for the union, because I strive for an equitable work environment."

Liam, Binghamton RA, Geology

”I believe unions are an invaluable asset for any workplace.”

Ali, Binghamton TA, Mechanical Engineering

"Health insurance is a very big issue for graduate students especially those who have to switch between TA and RA EVERY semester and are at risk of losing it over the summer.”

Merry, Binghamton RA, Chemistry

“When we stand as one, our voices grow louder and our power becomes unstoppable in the fight for our rights.”

Mahmood, Binghamton RA, Mechanical Engineering

“Even if there is a healthy dynamic now, having the pressure of a united group of employees makes it so that, if any problems do arise, we will band together to ensure pay and working conditions are improved.”

Nate, Binghamton RA, Physics

“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!”

Holly, Binghamton RA, Biomed Engineering

“I support unionizing of RAs because there is no reason my protection should be dependent on my funding source which is out of my control.”

Kelli, Binghmton TA, Chemistry

"We had a union before coming here that was helpful. Having a union for RA's which might not benefit me, but the next generation of RA's at Binghamton University will benefit."

Karthik, Binghamton RA, Mechanical Engineering

"I believe all workers deserve representation and protection from poor working and living conditions. Graduate researchers are the lifeblood of the university's research progress. Our labor is valuable, and so are we!"

Mary, Binghamton TA (former RA), Psychology

"I’m pro-union because international students are more vulnerable, particularly today. Building the union is about securing protections for international workers as well as ensuring that all RAs have the pay and benefits we need. We can get that through a union contract.”

Turan, Binghamton RA, History

"When we stand as one, our voices grow louder and our power becomes unstoppable."

Mahmood, Binghamton RA, Mechanical Engineering