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From left to right: Duane Lake, Chairman, OTIS FCU Board of Directors; Chris Bouchard, President/CEO,OTIS FCU; Samuel Howes, Chairman, OTIS FCU Supervisory Committee; Gary Desjardins, Vice Chairman, OTIS FCU Board of Directors; Linda Deane, WMLC Executive Director; Marcel Shink, WMLC Building Committee Member; Bruce Bryant, WMLC Member and Past Union 14 President.
OTIS FCU recently donated $5,000 to the Western Maine Labor Council, the organization that purchased the Local 14 Union Hall at 6 Intervale Road in Jay. This donation will be used to support much-needed building renovations and preserve the building’s historical artwork including the Jay Strike Mural.
The Western Maine Labor Council (WMLC), formerly headquartered in Lewiston, is comprised of labor unions whose members work or reside within Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties. Knowing OTIS FCU’s ties to the paper industry, Barbara Arsenault, a member of WMLC’s Building Committee, reached out in pursuit of a partnership to renovate the Local 14 Hall. The building will become WMLC’s new headquarters and serve as a center for labor history and community learning.
“The Otis Mill, after which OTIS FCU is named, was built in 1906,” shared Gary Desjardins, Vice Chair of the Board at OTIS FCU. “The Coating Prep department at the Otis Mill was the driving force behind the establishment of the credit union in 1954. This check is a tribute to the hundreds of paper workers who worked at the Androscoggin and Otis Mills over many decades.”
At a press conference, the WMLC thanked OTIS FCU for their donation and recognized others who have been involved with the project.
“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,” stated Linda Deane, Executive Director of the Labor Council. “With the Otis Mill being demolished and the Androscoggin Mill closing—leaving no active paper mills in the area—it is imperative that we preserve this heritage. The history of paper making is not just about industry; it is about the lives, struggles, and triumphs of countless workers who have contributed to this community. Your support helps us honor their legacy and ensures that their stories will not be forgotten.”
The Labor Council welcomes additional donations, as they need further financial support to complete the building upgrades and mural preservation. If you are interested in learning more about the WMLC, or donating to this project, please visit their website https://wmaineclc.org.
“We hope that others will be inspired by the OTIS FCU’s generosity and join us in our mission to preserve and promote our local labor history,” shared Deane.