LANSING, Mich. — UAW and General Motors bargainers returned to the table today for negotiations as the strike rolls on into its third day.
Right now, 55 general motors facilities are shut down after 49,000 workers walked off the job.
Starting next week, union workers will start getting their strike pay.
But many say it won't be enough to pay their house or car payment, or even simple living expenses.
Many local businesses are stepping in to help.
As long as union workers are on strike with GM, they can get the financial help they need at LAFCU.
"We help them through ebbs and flows of live, so whatever life throws at them," said LAFCU Chief Marketing Officer Kelli Ellsworth Etchison.
They're allowed to take out a loan of up to $2,500.
"The strike loan is something we've had in the past, and something we've used in the past for this very purpose," said Ellsworth Etchison.
The connection between LAFCU and union workers at GM goes way back.
"Our core is the auto industry," said Ellsworth Etchison. "Oldsmobile started our credit union way back over 80 years ago. My husband actually works for GM, and so he's actually out there on the picket line. I'm a GM girl through and through. My mother, father and brother have all retired from GM...I’m incredibly proud to work for an organization that is willing to help our members get by during this time."
"It’s real special," said Local 602 Vice President Steve Delaney. "It means a show of support that not only LAFCU but other agencies are willing to help out striking members who are not able to keep up with just strike assistance."
Delaney says there's no telling when the strike will end.
LAFCU says if the strike goes longer than expected, they're willing to loan more.
"They still have those needs, so just like our URL says here to help, we're here to help them," said Ellsworth Etchison. "For us to be able to help our UAW community is important to us."
LAFCU is also offering union workers free credit counseling, debt consolidation and refinancing options.
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