SAN JOSE, Calif. – A group of Technology Credit Union members opposed to its proposed charter conversion to a mutual savings bank held a rally at the $1.6-billion CU’s headquarters branch here yesterday.
Carlos Rodriguez, who along with longtime Tech CU member Robert Marinace is spearheading the anti-conversion effort, organized the rally. “We had about 12 to 15 people,” Rodriguez said. “We had some picket signs prepared and we handed out leaflets to members as they arrived at the credit union. We had a number of one-on-one conversations with members and answered questions. Some people were not even aware [of the proposed charter change].”
Rodriguez said he did not expect Tech CU to be as “cordial” as it was. “The branch manager came out and gave us waters, and the security guard was very polite,” he reported.
The anti-conversion group is planning similar rallies at other branches today and Friday. Rodriguez said the protests were timed with Tech CU’s Aug. 13 mailing of ballots for members to vote for or against the proposed charter change. “The ballots are due on Sept. 12 and there will be a special meeting that day, which we will be attending as a group,” said Rodriguez.
