The Union Credit Union

The Union Credit Union

Company type	Credit union
Industry	Financial services
Founded	1968
Founder	Members of Bricklayers Local 3
Defunct	October 2010
Headquarters	Spokane, Washington , United States
Area served	Union members and their families in Washington state
Key people	Demaris Krummel (CEO)
Products	Loans (including Step-Up Loans), payroll administration for unionized workplaces

The Union Credit Union functioned as a credit union dedicated to serving members of labor unions, with its main office located in Spokane, Washington, United States. It discontinued its operations in October 2010.

Originally established in 1968 by members of Bricklayers Local 3 under the name Inland Empire Trades Credit Union, it was created to provide union members with a nonprofit financial institution alternative. Over time, membership eligibility broadened to encompass all union members, their families, union employers, and unions themselves.

In 2008, The Union Credit Union attracted media coverage for an advertising campaign that used the slogan "It just works for me" without displaying any branding.

Advocacy

The credit union’s purpose was to deliver a nonprofit banking solution tailored to union members. It stood out as the sole U.S. credit union entirely governed and staffed by union employees, board members, and management. The Union Credit Union took a firm stance against the consolidation of union-affiliated credit unions into community-chartered entities, arguing that such mergers could diminish services available to union members.

Employees

Both the workforce and volunteer board consisted exclusively of union members. The organization was led by CEO Demaris Krummel.

Services

The Union Credit Union offered adaptable loan products, including options allowing members to defer payments during challenging times such as labor strikes. It featured Step-Up Loans designed to finance tools, education, or training and also provided payroll administration for unionized workplaces.

Partnerships

Significant collaborations included:

• Washington State Labor Council
• Asbestos Workers Local 82
• Bricklayers Local 3 (Spokane/Montana)
• Carpenters Local 98
• Cement Masons
• Communications Workers of America Local 7818
• Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 44
• Roofers Local 189
• Sheet Metal Workers Local 66
• Inland Northwest Apprenticeship Coordinators Council
• Inland Northwest Electrical Training Trust
• Spokane Regional Labor Council
• Washington Federation of State Employees
• United Steelworkers of America

Grant program

The Step-Up Program was a workforce development and consumer financial education initiative supporting approximately 2.7 million union workers throughout Washington state. It provided below-market, nonprofit Step-Up Loans available at workplaces and union halls, facilitating workers’ acquisition of new skills and tools necessary for professional growth.

This initiative was inspired by the legacy of Edward Filene, who founded both unions and credit unions to benefit employees at Filene's Department Store. Filene advocated for collective bargaining and workers’ rights while emphasizing that investing in employees ultimately serves business interests.

See also

• AFL-CIO Employees Federal Credit Union
• Amalgamated Bank of Chicago

External links

• The Union Credit Union