(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - Graduate student Research Assistants of the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) have hand-delivered a letter to President Joanie Mahoney’s Office demanding voluntary recognition after a majority of them signed cards indicating their desire to form a Union with the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

Their Union has been named the ESF Research Assistants Union (RAU)-CWA.

The University relies on the Research Assistants to conduct crucial research, run labs, teach and assist students, and more, CWA Officials said.

But despite the essential role they play, these Workers have been saddled with severe economic hardships resulting from low pay and burdensome student fees, as well as poor working conditions, including lack of affordable and adequate health care coverage, workplace harassment and being overworked without additional compensation.

One of the primary challenges the Research Assistants face are the burdensome student fees they need to pay in order to perform their duties, like operating the software system through which they access their students’ assignments and submit grades.

In addition to eliminating this work-to-pay culture, the workers - who currently make less than the living and minimum wage, are demanding fair compensation that reflects the value they bring to the university.

Read more here.

Pictured Above: Graduate student Research Assistants of the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) hand delivered a letter to President Joanie Mahoney’s Office demanding voluntary recognition after a majority of them signed cards indicating their desire to form a Union with CWA.