ROCHESTER, N.Y.–Employees of Genesee Co-op Federal Credit Union have agreed to a labor contract today after approximately 14 months of bargaining with the credit union.
According to the $37.7-million GCFCU, workers voted to join the Communications Workers of America Local 1170 in late 2021, “seeking to fulfill the stated mission of the Genesee Co-op Federal Credit Union in being a community-based collective organization.”
Their election was certified by Arbitrator Mark Pearce on Jan. 24, 2022.
“This contract is a great example of what can be achieved through collective action and partnership,” John Pusloskie, president, CWA LOCAL 1170, said in a statement. “We’re excited to ratify this contract and ensure that the Genesee Co-op Federal Credit Union is a great place to work for years to come. Workers at the credit union have a real seat at the table and compensation that reflects the value of their work.”
‘Quick’ Negotiations
Genesee Co-op FCU said its negotiations with CWA Local 1170 “began quickly” in March of 2022, and were “collaborative” between the two parties.
“The new agreement addresses the members’ priorities of increased wages, a retirement plan with an employer match, profit sharing and signing bonuses, as well as a Union Security and conflict resolution procedure that includes arbitration,” the credit union said.
Opportunity to ‘Strengthen’ CU
The CU added that it and the union also agreed that this first contract is a major opportunity to “strengthen the credit union,” which has been serving the community and its members since 1982.
“Excellent work, CWA, on the successful CBA negotiations with Genesee Co-op FCU. Your dedication has made a meaningful impact on the employees,” Robert Bright, a worker who has been with the credit union for 15 years, said in a statement. “Additionally, a big thank you to Genesee Co-op FCU for their participation, making this beneficial outcome possible. Well done, everyone.”
Added CEO Melissa Marquez, “Genesee Co-op Federal Credit Union is proud to have signed an agreement with CWA, Local 1170. I think this partnership between labor and management is especially important as our credit union grows. As partners in the negotiating process, we listened, learned and developed a contract that works for the union and the credit union. We were fortunate to have the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service help us make the process productive.”
The ‘Right to a Quality Job’
COO Dan Apfel also added, “The board and management at the credit union worked hard to engage productively with our staff who wanted to unionize and CWA because we fundamentally believe that every person has the right to a quality job, including representation from a union if they choose.”
Genesee Co-op FCU has approximately 4,100 members.
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