Worried About Finances During the Strike?
OFNHP members have access to interest-free loans through their national union – the AFT.
A strike can mean day-to-day financial challenges and anxiety. AFT has responded by partnering with the AFL-CIO Credit Union to offer interest-free loans to help members with expenses if their regular pay is interrupted.
How It Works
- Members are eligible after 5 days on the strike line and one payday is missed.
- The AFT will pay the interest on loans up to $600 per week for the duration of the strike.
- The AFT will pay the interest on loans repaid within one year.
- The OFNHP Strike Loan Committee will administer the program and coordinate with the national AFT.
- Striking members may choose to first seek a loan through their own bank or credit union. If a loan is granted, OFNHP will reimburse the member for interest up to the same rate available from the AFL-CIO Credit Union.
- Or Members may also obtain a loan through the AFL-CIO Federal Credit Union. You must have an account with the AFL-CIO credit union to get a loan from the AFL-CIO credit union.
- This loan does not require a credit check.
- The full policy governing the Strike Loan program and necessary forms will be available through the Strike Loan Committee.
If you think you will need to apply for a strike loan in the future, we encourage you to create an account at the AFL-CIO Credit Union now. And your credit union account will give you access not just for a strike loan, but to all the benefits of the credit union including a bill payer service, payroll deposit, a Visa Check/Debit Card, savings and checking accounts, auto loans, second mortgages, home equity line of credit and more.
To create your account and start your application, please visit the AFL-CIO credit union website at https://www.aflcioefcu.org/forms-and-applications, scroll down to the Membership, Accounts and find the “Membership with Online Account Application.” You will need to provide an image (fax or email image) of a government issued ID.
The credit union is a membership organization requiring a $5.00 minimum balance. If you are unable to transfer funds to the account, AFT can make that deposit on your behalf and collect funds from you at a later date.