America’s credit Unions

Workers united!

Administrative, Professional, and Graded employees at ACU

ACU Workers United is the bargaining unit representing some of the talented and dedicated employees of America's Credit Unions, one of the largest and most influential trade associations serving credit unions across the United States. Our members play a vital role in delivering the advocacy, compliance support, training, and professional certifications and designations that empower credit unions to serve their communities effectively.

As the workforce behind these essential services, we are committed to promoting fair labor practices, equitable compensation, and a respectful, inclusive workplace. We advocate for the well-being and growth of our members, while supporting the mission and values of the broader organization. Through collaboration and open dialogue, we strive to maintain a strong, productive relationship with leadership that benefits both employees and the credit unions we serve.

 FAQs

  • A union is a group of workers who come together to bargain over important aspects of their employment like wages, benefits, and other working conditions. Unions allow workers to meet with management on a level playing field in order to make their workplace more fair and transparent. The right for unions to bargain is protected by US law, and employees who are in the process of forming a union are too.

  • ACU workers are private sector employees governed by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The NLRA protects “the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection”. It is a violation of the law for an Employer to "to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed”.

    The Contract also has language protecting employees from discrimination for union membership or activities.

    Workers represented by the Union have “Weingarten Rights”. Weingarten rights are the rights of employees to have a union representative present during any investigatory interview that they reasonably believe could lead to discipline. These rights come from a 1975 U.S. Supreme Court case, NLRB v. J. Weingarten, Inc. Employees must affirmatively request representation; the employer is not required to inform them of this right.

  • Please get in touch with OPEIU Local 39 by filling out this form or https://opeiu39.org/contact

  • ACU management made a policy requiring bargaining unit employees who live outside of Dane County to report to work in-person one day per week. Our union has objected to this and took the issue to arbitration. We are actively working on addressing this issue in bargaining for the successor contract.

  • Union dues help fund the union's essential work to represent and support its members. This includes:

    • Collective bargaining and contract negotiations

    • Legal representation, grievance handling, and arbitration

    • Member advocacy in workplace disputes

    • Organizing efforts to strengthen the union

    • Education and training for members and leaders

    • Lobbying and political action to protect workers' rights

    Dues ensure the union has the resources to operate effectively and fight for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.

  • A strong bargaining unit is built on unity, engagement, and organization. Key factors include:

    • High member participation – The more active and involved the members, the stronger the collective voice.

    • Clear communication – Open, consistent updates keep members informed and connected.

    • Solidarity – Standing together, especially during negotiations or disputes, shows strength to the employer.

    • Effective leadership – Skilled, trusted leaders who listen to members and advocate effectively.

    • Member education – Knowing your rights and how the union works empowers everyone.

    • Strategic planning – Having clear goals and a plan for bargaining or action builds power at the table.

    When members are informed, involved, and united, the bargaining unit becomes a force for real workplace change.