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 dues can cost up to $1,920 per year. In 2022, the average member paid $1,150 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 2022, according to reports the union must file with the U.S. Dept. of Labor.

In 2022 alone:

$205,194 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.
$16,096 was spent by LIUNA 483 on political activity and lobbying.
$94,207 was paid to private attorneys.

LIUNA 483 paid 15 officers and employees in 2022. Financial secretary Farrel Richartz’s compensation was $104,902. LiUNA 483’s cash stockpile amounted to $789,469 at the end of 2022.

LIUNA 483’s most recent LM-2 reports are available here: 2022, 2021, 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 $1.6 million from its local affiliate unions in 2022.

In 2022 alone:

$327,159 was spent on political activity and lobbying.
$36,994 was paid or contributed to largely ideological organizations.
$25,688 was spent on private attorneys.
$10,326 was spent on hotel expenses for union staff.
$9,662 was spent on food and catering.

The District Council paid 14 employees in 2022, three of whom were paid six figures. Secretary-treasurer and business manager Jeff Gritz was paid $177,594. The District Council currently $1.5 million in cash reserves.

The Oregon & Southern Idaho District Council’s most recent LM-2 reports are available here: 2022, 2021, 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 $95.4 million from local affiliated unions in 2022.

$12.5 million was spent on divisive political candidates, causes and lobbying.
$2.7 million was paid or contributed to largely ideological organizations.
$1.8 million was spent on airfare, hotels and travel, including over $1 million at the Hilton in San Diego.
$2.5 million was spent on private attorneys and consultants.

The LIUNA headquarters paid 238 employees in 2022, 131 of whom were paid six figures. LIUNA general president Terence O’Sullivan was paid $848,072.

LIUNA Headquarters’ most recent LM-2 reports are available here: 2022, 2021, 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 2022, he received compensation from Ullico amounting to $78,835.
Vice president Jon Davis has regularly filed LM-30 reportsdisclosing that he serves on the board of directors of BayCom Corp., which provides commercial banking services to LIUNA. In 2022, he received compensation from BayCom amounting to $17,000.