Otis Federal Credit Union Contributes $5,000 to Jay Solidarity Center

PHOTO: Federal Credit Union presents a check to the Local 14 Solidarity Center on June 6.

Otis Federal Credit Union delivered a check for $5,000 to the Western Maine Labor Council, Local 14 Solidarity Center in Jay on June 6. The Jay-based credit union was originally founded by members United Paperworkers International Union Local 14 and the Firemen and Oilers unions, both of which represented workers employed at the former Otis and Androscoggin mills in Chisholm and Jay. The check was presented at a ceremony attended by Local 14 retirees, former Jay strikers and members of the Western Maine Labor Council.

“It is my great honor to stand before you today to express our profound gratitude to the Otis Federal Credit Union for their incredibly generous donation,” said WMLC President Linda Deane, a former Local 14 member, in prepared remarks. “This contribution is not merely a financial gift, it is a powerful endorsement of the Western Maine Labor Council, Local 14 Solidarity Center, and our mission to preserve the rich history of paper making in this area. It also supports our efforts in developing a comprehensive labor history and workers' rights program.”

Deane thanked Barbara Arsenault for her tireless work in securing the donation. She said that the donation is a “significant step forward,” but the center will be seeking additional financial support to paint the inside and outside of the building, restore its large labor mural and purchase furniture and equipment for meetings, community events and educational programming.