ALBANY, N.Y.–As SEFCU and CapCom credit unions work to merge to create a multi-billion CU called Broadview Credit Union, some employees have announced plans to form a labor union.
According to the Times Union, organizers sent a note to Broadview CU President and CEO Michael Castellana that read, “We are writing to inform you of our intent to form a labor union, and we are asking you to respect our right to form a union without fear of harassment, retaliation, or interference.”
The publication reported that reasons for the effort to organize include what organizers say is the need for better pay and benefits, as well as unpredictable work schedules.
‘Economic Democracy’
“Credit unions are a form of economic democracy where every member has equal ownership and one vote. We have concluded that a labor union is necessary in order to provide Broadview members — our financial institution’s owners — with high quality banking services,” reads the letter as reported by the Times Union. “We are organizing due to inadequate pay and benefits, constantly changing schedules, understaffing which overwhelms us, and a lack of equality and a voice in our workplace.”
SEFCU spokesperson Ken Jubie told the Times Union the new Broadview CU management respects the employees who want to look at unionizing.
“Broadview’s executive leadership and human resources teams are aware that a small group of branch employees intend to start a labor union,” Jubie said in a prepared statement. “We are committed to allowing these employees to explore unionization in accordance with federal labor laws. We respect this democratic process, the role of unions in the workplace, and the right of our employees to consider union representation,” Jubie said in a prepared statement.”
Source of Letter
The Times Union reported that the union letter was from member service associates and relationship bankers at SEFCU’s Park South branch on New Scotland Avenue in Albany.
“It wasn’t clear if the organizers, calling themselves, the Broadview Labor Organizing Committee, were affiliated with or had reached out to other regional or national unions,” the publication said.
When complete, Broadview CU will have more than 500,000 members and 1,400 employees.
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