LAFCU one of many businesses supporting UAW workers
LANSING, MI (October 1, 2019) — At month end, UAW and General Motors bargainers returned to the table for negotiations as the strike rolls on.
Right now, 55 general motors facilities are shut down after 49,000 workers walked off the job.
Union workers are getting their strike pay.
But many say it won’t be enough to pay their house or car payment, or even simple living expenses.
Many local businesses are stepping in to help.
As long as union workers are on strike with GM, they can get the financial help they need at LAFCU.
“We help them through ebbs and flows of life, so whatever life throws at them,” said LAFCU Chief Marketing Officer Kelli Ellsworth Etchison.
They’re allowed to take out a loan of up to $2,500.
“The strike loan is something we’ve had in the past, and something we’ve used in the past for this very purpose,” said Ellsworth Etchison.
The connection between LAFCU and union workers at GM goes way back.
“Our core is the auto industry,” said Ellsworth Etchison. “Oldsmobile started our credit union way back over 80 years ago. My husband actually works for GM, and so he’s actually out there on the picket line. I’m a GM girl through and through. My mother, father and brother have all retired from GM…I’m incredibly proud to work for an organization that is willing to help our members get by during this time.”
“It’s real special,” said Local 602 Vice President Steve Delaney. “It means a show of support that not only LAFCU but other agencies are willing to help out striking members who are not able to keep up with just strike assistance.”
Delaney says there’s no telling when the strike will end.
LAFCU says if the strike goes longer than expected, they’re willing to loan more.
“They still have those needs, so just like the name of LAFCU’s webpage with our strike programs – www. LAFCU.com/HereToHelp – we’re here to help them,” said Ellsworth Etchison. “For us to be able to help our UAW community is important to us.”
LAFCU is also offering union workers free credit counseling, debt consolidation and refinancing options.
Source: WILX TV NBC
https://www.wilx.com/content/news/LAFCU-one-of-many-businesses-supporting-UAW-workers-560718201.html
Union workers are now receiving strike pay. Many say it won’t be enough to pay their house or car payment, or even simple living expenses.
About LAFCU (MI)
Chartered in 1936, LAFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative open for membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Michigan and to businesses and other entities located in Michigan. The credit union serves 74,000 members and holds over $986 million in assets. It was named a Best Credit Union to Work For in 2020. LAFCU offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services as well as an expanding complement of financial technology solutions. Members enjoy benefits such as low fees, low interest rates on loans, high yields on savings, discounts, knowledgeable employees and nationwide access to fee-free ATMs. A recipient of the national Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award for credit unions, LAFCU enriches the communities it serves by supporting many organizations and causes. To learn more about LAFCU, call 800.748.0228 or visit www.lafcu.com.
