Filene Fill-in Episode #57 | Sep 3, 2019

Ep. 57: Happy Birthday, Ed Filene!

In this episode

Celebrating Ed Filene's Legacy: The episode is a celebration of Ed Filene's birthday and his significant contributions to credit unions and the community. Ed Filene was not only a pioneer in the credit union movement but also a progressive thinker who championed employee well-being and community welfare.

Historical Insights: The speakers shared interesting historical facts about Ed Filene, such as his support for women in the workplace, including hiring women and providing them with a minimum wage. Ed Filene also introduced forward-thinking practices like 40-hour work weeks, health clinics, and paid vacation for his employees in the early 1900s.

Modern-Day Relevance: The episode draws parallels between Ed Filene's vision and the current challenges faced by credit unions. It emphasizes the importance of credit unions in addressing financial stress and promoting overall well-being among employees. One report mentioned that more than 50% of workers experience financial stress, which affects their physical and emotional health and productivity.

Highlighting Credit Unions' Cooperative Mission: Credit unions are encouraged to focus on their cooperative mission of serving members. The episode underscores the need for credit unions to distinguish themselves from traditional financial institutions by highlighting their commitment to cooperative values.

Adapting to the Gig Economy: The episode discusses the changing nature of work, particularly the rise of gig workers, and how credit unions can adapt to serve this growing segment of the workforce. Many gig workers have irregular income and lack benefits, presenting an opportunity for credit unions to provide services and support tailored to their needs.