We are excited to announce that Genesee Co-op Federal Credit Union workers have unanimously chosen to form a union with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). Genesee Co-op voluntarily recognized CWA as the representative of its employees. This is a historic step in Genesee Co-op FCU’s efforts to create a more just and equitable economy.
Genesee Co-op regularly collaborates with unions and other organizations, including through New York State Community Equity Agenda, to advocate for a more just financial system.
“Prosperity for All is one of Genesee Co-op’s core values. Too often the economy is rigged to favor those who already have money and power,” according to Melissa Marquez, CEO of Genesee Co-op FCU. “Unions, like cooperatives and credit unions, are made of people coming together to work for economic justice.”
“The workers at Genesee Co-op provide outstanding financial services to the people of Rochester, including underserved communities. As a financial institution built for the community, I am thrilled that Genesee Co-op has chosen to voluntarily recognize their workers’ union,” said Aaron Gallant, a member of both CWA and the credit union. “Today’s action is a reflection of the credit union's values and their employees’ desire to use their collective voice on the job. I wish them every success as they begin the important work of negotiating their first contract."
Employees, along with the CWA, approached Genesee Co-op in the fall of 2021 seeking to represent the employees of a progressive and responsible credit union pursuing “high road” labor practices. Genesee Co-op signed a card-check neutrality agreement effort because of the credit union’s commitment to support worker rights.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome Genesee Co-op credit union workers into our union family and take steps forward to a strong contract that improves their wages and working conditions. Organizing a union is no easy task, but these workers have come together with a determination to truly create a better workplace for all,” said John Pusloskie, President of CWA Local 1170. “The agreement by the credit union’s leaders to remain neutral and respect their employees’ right to organize sets a powerful example for other banks and credit unions to follow. Respecting union rights doesn’t just ensure fairness and decency for all workers, it improves the quality of services financial institutions can provide.”
“I'm proud to serve the Rochester community and the people who are too often left out by the banking system. With a voice on the job, we can now make sure we’re holding Genesee Co-op accountable to its values of affordable, reliable services for those that need it most,” said Genesee Co-op FCU loan officer and new member of CWA, Nolan Noble. “Over the four years that I’ve worked at Genesee Co-op, the credit union has grown considerably, expanding our workforce and our membership. I’m proud of this growth and, with a union, we can ensure that it is sustainable and that workers like me have a say in the direction Genesee Co-op takes moving forward.”
“We believe that in a just economy everyone has a right to a quality job and that starts here at Genesee Co-op,” said Dan Apfel, Chief Operations Officer at Genesee Co-op. “We are proud to be the first unionized financial institution in the Rochester, NY area and one of the only credit unions to unionize in the twenty-first century”.
“We are excited because we believe that our high road relationship with CWA will help us to grow the credit union for the benefit of our members, our employees and our community,” said Apfel.
