About Us

Portland Local 8 Federal Credit Union was founded in 1954 by union members to provide financial services to union members and their families. Unlike big banks and most other credit unions, we are 100% staffed by union members. Because of this, we understand the needs and challenges of working families and proudly offer financial solutions tailored to their unique needs.

Our Mission:
To build strong, lasting relationships with union members and their families through exceptional service and financial solutions, tailored to their unique needs.

Our Core Values:
Accountability • Results-Oriented • Service Excellence • Leadership • Diversity

OUR HISTORY

The history of Portland Local 8 Federal Credit Union is nearly as long as the history of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union itself. Beginning in February of 1954 (only 17 years after the formation of the ILWU) seven members of ILWU Local 8, led by Homer D. MacDonald, drafted the original charter for Portland Local 8 Federal Credit Union. One month later, on March 18th, 1954, the charter was ratified, and Portland Local 8 Federal Credit Union was officially formed. The founding Board of Directors and supporting Committees were first chaired by Ray Jagelski, Richard J. Sutton, Homer D. MacDonald, and Charles Yevtich, respectively.

In 1963, members of I.L.W.U. Locals 40 & 92 were allowed membership to the credit union, expanding the field of membership and allowing the credit union to serve virtually every longshoreman in Portland, Oregon. Most importantly, it allowed for greater growth in the future. By the 1980s, the credit union had become a well-established institution on the Portland waterfront. As the credit union entered the 1990s, the results of 35 years of steady growth were apparent. With over 1600 members and $10 million in assets, Portland Local 8 Federal Credit Union had nearly doubled its membership and its assets had grown over 6500%.

An exciting change happened in 1995 when the employees of the credit union unionized with OPEIU Local 11. This unionization not only made the credit union one of the few in the Northwest to be unionized, but it also created a tighter bond between Local 8 members and their credit union. The credit union was used to operating in its small office located inside the local 8 union hall, but in 2004 the credit union had the grand opening for its new building. Moving from a tiny office to a brand-new building attached to the hall, the credit union finally had the facility it needed to grow and prosper.

For the next several years the credit union continued its steady growth in both members and total assets. By the end of 2009 the credit union had over 2100 members and had reached $30 million in total assets. Then, in 2012, Portland Local 8 Federal Credit Union merged with NPT Employees Federal Credit Union and hired several new employees.

Over the years, we have introduced many new products and services that have become popular among members, including Union Gold Checking, a variety of loans and cards, digital banking, and identity theft protection.

When members need a financial institution that understands the challenges their union jobs often pose (long hours, seasonal work, and so on), Portland Local 8 Federal Credit Union is that institution.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Through financial contribution, resource donations, and volunteering, Portland 8 Local FCU supports causes closest to the hearts of our union communities.

• Annual PDX 8 FCU College Scholarships
• Annual Bloody Thursday Picnic sponsorship & volunteering
• Annual ILWU Columbia River Golf Tournament sponsorship & volunteering
• Annual ILWU Local 8 Federal Credit Union 40 Pensioners Brunch sponsorship
• Annual Toy Drives supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest
• Feeding America donations
• GoFund Me fundraisers supporting employees & members in need
• ILWU Ladies Auxiliary donations and volunteering
• Labors Community Service Agency donations and volunteering
• Animal welfare nonprofit donations (including One Tail at a Time PDX)
• Rebuilding Together donations and volunteering

OUR TEAM

Leadership Team:

• Jon Labonite, Chief Executive Officer
• Josh Hansen, Branch Manager
• Katherine Nugent, Lending Manager
• Rebecca Boles, Marketing & Community Engagement Manager

Board of Directors & Supervisory Committee:

Portland Local 8 FCU is owned by the people we serve, our membership. This collective group elects Volunteers to serve on the Portland Local 8 FCU Board of Directors to fulfill and perpetuate the credit union's mission and goals.

Board of Directors:

• Paul Philips, Chairperson
• Kelly West, Vice Chairperson
• Greg Pfeifle, Secretary/Treasurer
• Rachel Evans, Director
• John Farr, Director
• John Miken, Director
• Troy Mosteller, Director
• Dave Porter, Director
• John Robinson, Director

Supervisory Committee:

• John Farr, Chairperson
• Matt Robinson, Member
• Logan West, Member