Laborers' Local 483

To opt out of Laborers’ Local 483 dues:

Enter your information into the form below and click “submit.”
On the next page, click the link to open your customized form. You will also receive an email with a link to your form.
Print the form. If you check the appropriate box below, we’ll mail you a copy of the form.
Sign and date the form.
Mail the completed form to Local 483 at the address at the top of the form. We highly recommend sending it via certified mail.

Laborers’ Local 483 is a local LiUNA union, representing approximately 1,300 workers in the City of Portland and other local government employees in Oregon.

For years, city employees were required to pay union dues to Local 483 as a condition of employment and the city automatically deducted union dues from workers’ paychecks.

However, because of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Janus v. AFSCME (2018), city employees can now demand that Local 483 cease withholding union dues/fees from their paychecks.

The court ruled that the mandatory dues requirement violated workers’ First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and association, and that public employees have the right to choose for themselves whether to pay any union dues or fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get Local 483 to stop deducting dues from my paychecks?

Completing the form above will generate a letter you can send to Laborers’ Local 483 to resign your formal union membership and cease paying dues.

Send a signed copy of your letter to:

Farrell Richartz, Business Manager
LIUNA 483
1125 SE Madison St., Suite 206
Portland, OR 97214

We highly recommend sending the letter via certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Keep a copy of the letter and your certified mail receipt for your reference.

How much are Local 483 dues?

According to federal filings, LIUNA 483 charges dues that range between $120 and $2,136 per year. In 2020, the average member paid $612 in dues.

If I stop paying dues to the union, will I still receive the same wages and benefits specified in Local 483's contract with my employer?

Yes. Local 483 has arranged to be the “exclusive representative” of its bargaining units, meaning it is impossible for workers to get out of the terms of the contract, even if they cease paying dues.

Does opting out affect my pension?

No. Under state law, a union contract is binding on all employees in a bargaining unit, regardless of whether they are technically union “members.” Your compensation, benefits and conditions of employment are all set by the contract and will remain unchanged regardless of whether you are technically a union member and regardless of whether you choose to pay union dues.

Will the union stop helping me with workplace issues?

The union has been recognized by the state as the “exclusive representative” of all members of the bargaining unit, whether formal union members or not. In return for the monopoly on this particular service, unions have a corresponding legal duty to provide fair representation.

How will my relationship with the union change if I resign my membership in Laborers’ Local 483 and stop paying dues?

While the terms of the contract will still govern your employment, union officials commonly prohibit nonmembers from participating in internal union affairs, such as attending union meetings, voting for union officers or participating in contract ratification votes. You’ll also likely be ineligible for certain “members only” benefits, such as discounts on additional insurance or deals the union has arranged with businesses, if any. You may no longer receive the union newsletter or similar publications.

How does Laborers’ Local 483 spend my dues money?

LIUNA 483

LIUNA 483 collected $1.1 million in dues and fees from its members in 2020, according to reports the union must file with the U.S. Dept. of Labor.

In 2020 alone:

$242,330 went to the LIUNA headquarters in Washington, D.C., to support its massive political, economic and social agenda. LIUNA regularly supports a host of controversial organizations.
$13,996 was spent by LIUNA 483 on political activity and lobbying.
$22,817 was paid to private attorneys.

LIUNA 483 paid 14 officers and employees in 2020. Financial secretary Farrel Richartz’s compensation was $94,276.

Also, despite having a cash stockpile of $1 million at the beginning of 2020, LIUNA 483 increased the maximum dues amount from $1,644 to $2,136 per year. The union’s cash reserves have since grown by $67,000.

LIUNA 483’s most recent LM-2 reports are available here: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016.

A portion of the dues paid by LIUNA 483 members goes to support the Oregon & Southern Idaho District Council of Laborers.

Oregon & Southern Idaho District Council

The District Council collected $1.4 million from its local affiliate unions in 2020.

$234,971 was spent on political activity and lobbying.
$38,696 was paid or contributed to largely ideological organizations.
$18,000 was spent on private attorneys.
$5,862 was spent on hotel expenses for union staff.
$5,194 was spent on food and catering.

The District Council paid 16 employees in 2020, three of whom were paid six figures. Secretary-treasurer and business manager Jeff Gritz was paid $182,426. The District Council currently holds more than $3.2 million in cash reserves.

The Oregon & Southern Idaho District Council’s most recent LM-2 reports are available here: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016.

Lastly, a portion of the dues paid by LIUNA 483 members goes to support the LIUNA international headquarters in Washington, D.C.

LIUNA Headquarters

The LIUNA headquarters collected $93 million from affiliated unions in 2020.

$10.6 million was spent on divisive political candidates, causes and lobbying.
$2 million was paid or contributed to largely ideological organizations.
$470,000 was spent on airfare, hotels and travel for union staff.
$2.8 million was spent on private attorneys and consultants.

LIUNA paid 236 employees in 2020, 127 of whom were paid six figures. LIUNA general president Terence O’Sullivan was paid $798,634.

LIUNA’s most recent LM-2 reports are available here: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016.

Union officials are also required to file reports with the Dept. of Labor disclosing potential conflicts of interest related to LIUNA’s business dealings:

General president Terence O’Sullivan has regularly filed LM-30 reports disclosing that he serves on the board of directors of Ullico, Inc., a company that provides insurance, financial services, and administrative products to LIUNA. In 2020, he received compensation from Ullico amounting to $77,412.
Vice president Jon Davis has regularly filed LM-30 reports disclosing that he serves on the board of directors of BayCom Corp., which provides commercial banking services to LIUNA. In 2020, he received compensation from BayCom amounting to $16,004.