Our History
Serving Families, Businesses and Workers Since 1924
Bank of Labor is the evolution of nearly a century of serving the banking needs of hard-working people. From our roots as a union-owned community bank to our expanded mission to ‘Live the Code’ of the North American labor movement by serving their organizations and members. We are here to help you, your family and your organization thrive.
From its remarkable endurance during the Great Depression to the devastating Great Recession, claiming so many financial institutions in our time — Bank of Labor stands as a testament to the endurance of the labor movement and the families and business we serve.
Timeline
It all began
1924
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1924
Founded in 1924 by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Brotherhood State Bank grew its roots deep into the labor community of Greater Kansas City. Its original mission was to be a bank that working men and women could trust with their hard-earned money. And we have steadfastly fulfilled that mission. -
1929
The Great Depression was a severe global economic depression that took place mostly during the 1930s. In most countries, it started in 1929 and lasted until the start of WWII. It was the 20th century’s longest, deepest, and most widespread economic depression. -
1940's
Bank of Labor emerged as a survivor among the more than 50 labor banks from the era during which it was founded. -
2008
The crash of the 2008 stock market resulted in millions of unemployed citizens... many of them union members, downturn in home values, and the disastrous impact on our hard-earned pension plans. Many pension plan funds, unfortunately, still remain in the custody of these "Too Big to Fail" banks that nearly brought down the financial system of the United States. -
2015
Bank of Labor held the grand opening of its downtown Washington, D.C. office on August 11th. The opening ceremony drew more than 150 labor leaders and supporters.
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2024
Celebrating 100 years of service
