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Standing together through the cycles of trade work.
Financial support through United Trades Federal Credit Union. Built for those who build America.
Solidarity Link, powered by United Trades, is a connected system of support for the natural ups and downs of trade work and life. When the work cycle shifts or life changes, the program brings together relief and resiliency tools to help members get through tough periods and come back stronger.
As a union-built financial partner, this is one way support shows up when it’s needed most.
Two programs. One shared purpose.
Supporting members through the ups and downs of work and life.
The Relief Valve
Solutions that ease pressure when the work cycle tightens or life changes unexpectedly.
- Borrow up to $5,000 for as low as 2.90% APR* with our Solidarity Loan
- Modify existing loans and skip payments with no fee
- Get fee refunds during times of hardship
- $100 travel gas cards to get where your work cycle takes you
- Mental health support and resources for members in need
The Reservoir
Savings and tools that help members build strength during good times and prepare for what’s next in the cycle.
- Build strength with a Pipeline Savings account, earning 2.90% APY**
- Financial coaching and check-ups to support members through work cycles
- Financial tools designed for trade workers
Did you know? When members build savings during stronger work cycles. That participation helps keep the Relief Valve available for fellow members when work slows or life changes — a practical example of how a cooperative works.
This is members supporting members, through the credit union.
Why Solidarity Link Matters
Trade work runs in cycles.
Solidarity Link was created in response to work shortages affecting members. It’s designed to provide support now, while helping build resilience for what comes next.
Members shouldn’t face those cycles alone.
It reflects a simple idea: using the cooperative in a way that shows up in real moments, not just in principle.
This is how a cooperative works.
Solidarity Link works because members actively use and grow with their credit union during strong work cycles. When members borrow, save, and build during good times, it strengthens the cooperative and makes support possible during slower periods.
How Solidarity Link Is Funded
Solidarity Link isn’t funded by outside grants or government programs. It’s sustained through everyday member participation — the cooperative difference.
When members choose United Trades for their everyday banking, saving, and borrowing during strong work cycles, it helps sustain financial support for fellow members during more challenging periods.
This is how resilience is built within the cooperative — through everyday participation.
We’re thankful to the many members whose everyday participation helps keep Solidarity Link strong and available across every work cycle.
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What Support Looks Like Through Solidarity Link
Financial relief for impacted members
When pressure builds, support is available. Members can access a low-rate Solidarity Loan of up to $5,000 with a deferred first payment to ease immediate strain. Skip-a-pay and hardship options are available with no added fees, along with case-by-case loan modifications that may lower payments on secured loans.
Targeted support for Local 290
Local 290 members have access to additional, targeted resources to ease the strain of work cycles. This includes assistance with medical and COBRA costs, help with dues catch-up and reinstatement to return to work, and a $100 travel gas card. Mental health resources and suicide-prevention awareness tools are also available, supporting both financial stability and personal well-being.
Financial coaching and savings tools
Build strength while work is flowing. Members can open a Pipeline savings account designed to set aside more during strong cycles and prepare for the next slowdown. Financial education, one-on-one coaching, and practical planning tools are available to support informed decisions, reduce stress, and build stability over time.
Join United Trades FCU
Eligible to join? Become a member in minutes!
Check our Join Us page for eligibility information and to complete our Membership Application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Solidarity Link created?
Solidarity Link was created in response to the feast-or-famine cycles of trade work that impact members. It’s designed to make support available during difficult periods while strengthening resilience over time.
It reflects a cooperative approach—where members support each other through the credit union, rather than relying on outside programs or one-time assistance.
What’s the difference between The Relief Valve and The Reservoir?
The Relief Valve provides short-term financial support to members affected by work shortages or hardship. This includes access to a Solidarity Loan (up to $5,000 at 2.90% APR* for 30 months with the first payment deferred 90 days), skip-a-pay options with no fees, loan modifications, fee refunds, travel gas cards, and case-by-case assistance. Explore all that The Relief Valve offers.
The Reservoir focuses on long-term stability. Through Pipeline Savings, members can build financial reserves during strong work cycles and earn up to 2.90% APY when they meet the qualifying criteria. Financial coaching and planning tools are also available to help members prepare for future slow periods. See how The Reservoir can help prepare you for the next work cycle.
Who is eligible to participate in Solidarity Link?
Solidarity Link is available to United Trades FCU members. Certain Relief Valve benefits require members to complete an online form confirming they’ve been impacted by hardship, similar to pandemic-era relief processes.
Can I participate in both The Reservoir and The Relief Valve?
Yes. The program is designed as a cooperative system. Members can build reserves through The Reservoir during strong cycles and access The Relief Valve if they experience a qualifying hardship or work slowdown.