Opt Out Today

SEIU 503

To opt out of SEIU 503 dues:

  1. Enter your information into the form below and click “submit.”
  2. On the next page, click the link to open your customized form. You will also receive an email with a link to your form.
  3. Print the form. If you check the appropriate box below, we’ll mail you a copy of the form.
  4. Sign and date the form.
  5. Mail the completed form to SEIU 503 at the address at the top of the form. We highly recommend sending it via certified mail.

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Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 503 is the designated union for public services and care providers, representing 72,000 people across Oregon.

For years, state employees were required to pay union dues to SEIU 503 as a condition of employment and the state automatically deducted union dues from workers’ paychecks.

However, because of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Janus v. AFSCME (2018), state employees can now demand that SEIU 503 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.

You can opt out of SEIU 503 dues by filling out the form, printing it and mailing it to SEIU 503.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get SEIU 503 to stop deducting dues from my paychecks?

Completing the form above will generate a letter you can send to SEIU 503 to resign your formal union membership and cease paying dues.

Send a signed copy of your letter to:

Melissa Unger, Executive Director
SEIU 503
P.O. Box 12159
Salem, OR 97309

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 SEIU 503 dues?

According to federal filings, union dues for SEIU 503 are 1.7% of members’ gross wages, plus a flat fee of $2.75 per month. In 2022, the average member paid $634 in dues.

If I stop paying dues to the union, will I still receive the same wages and benefits specified in SEIU 503's contract with the state?
Yes. SEIU 503 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 I lose my health insurance?

No. Your health insurance and other employer-provided benefits will remain the same regardless of your union membership status.

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 SEIU 503 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 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 SEIU 503 spend my dues money?

SEIU 503

SEIU 503 collected $32.3 million in dues and fees from its members in fiscal year 2024, according to LM-2 reports the union is required to file with the U.S. Dept. of Labor.

In fiscal year 2024 alone:

  • $5.8 million went to the SEIU headquarters in Washington, D.C. to support its massive political, economic, and social agenda. SEIU regularly supports a host of controversial organizations.
  • $1.6 million was spent by SEIU 503 on political activity and lobbying.
  • $155,358 was paid or contributed to largely ideological organizations.
  • $434,087 was spent on airfare, hotels, and travel.
  • $1.8 million was spent on conferences, catering, and events.

SEIU 503 paid 236 officers and employees in 2024, with 77 receiving six-figure salaries. Executive director Melissa Unger received the highest compensation at $178,014.

SEIU 503 spent $16.7 million on disbursements to officers and employees, and ended the fiscal year with a cash stockpile of $2.1 million.

SEIU 503’s most recent LM-2 reports are available here: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016.

A portion of the dues paid by SEIU 503 members goes to support the SEIU Oregon State Council.

SEIU Oregon State Council

The State Council collected $196,872 from its local affiliates in fiscal year 2025, according to LM-2 reports the union is required to file with the U.S. Dept. of Labor.

In fiscal year 2025:

  • $196,609 was spent by the State Council on political activity and lobbying.
  • $391,610 was spent on compensation for officers and employees.
  • $98,698 was spent beyond the total amount of income, resulting in a deficit for the union’s budget.

SEIU Oregon State Council paid 3 employees in 2025, with all 3 receiving six-figure salaries. Staff member Felisa Hagins received the highest compensation at $140,931.

SEIU Oregon State Council’s most recent LM-2 reports are available here: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017.

Lastly, a portion of the dues paid by SEIU 503 members goes to support the SEIU headquarters.

Service Employees International Union

According to federal filings that the union is required to submit to the Department of Labor, SEIU headquarters collected over $259 million from local affiliates through member dues in 2024.

In 2024 alone:

  • $46 million was spent by SEIU HQ on divisive political candidates, causes, and lobbying.
  • $4.8 million was paid or contributed to largely ideological organizations.
  • $2.2 million was spent on office expenses, promotional items, and union advertising.
  • $29.4 million was spent on conferences and catering over the course of the year.
  • $10.4 million was spent on airfare, hotels, and travel for union staff.

SEIU paid 497 employees in 2024, with 344 receiving six-figure salaries. SEIU’s International President, April Verrett, was paid $301,513.

As of 2024, SEIU has accumulated a cash stockpile of $23,774,576.

SEIU’s most recent LM-2 reports are available here: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019.