2/11/10 Meeting with Comptroller DiNapoli

On Thursday February 11th, 2010 representatives of the Stony Brook RA Union met NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli at his birthday celebration in New Hyde Park, LI.  The Comptroller has the authority to audit the Research Foundation of SUNY. Comptroller DiNapoli is also a good friend of CWA Local 1104 and was quick to mention that his father was a member of the Local.  We informed him of how the RF has been dragging its feet in settling a fair contract with us and explained how the Research Foundation’s only economic proposal is a $12,000 minimum salary – way below the cost of living.  We also provided him with this handbill.

The former NY Comptroller’s audit in 2005 concluded that “the SUNY Research Foundation has made millions in questionable purchases and payments that, in some cases, would not be acceptable under the rules that govern the State University system. This is highly inappropriate and it is unfair to the students and faculty on all SUNY campuses – and indeed to all New Yorkers.”  The Union has not yet formally requested that Comptroller DiNapoli conduct an audit of the RF.  We hope to reach a fair contract with the RF before it comes to that.

Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is the chief fiscal officer for New York State.

Pictured:  Research Assistant in the Psychology Department / RA Union Division Coordinator Westri Stalder, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Research Assistant in the Biomedical Engineering Department / member of the RA Union Bargaining Committee Matthew Engel.

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