Inter-Con: Final Notice of Obligation to Pay Dues
You have the fortunate opportunity of working in a union-represented worksite where members have historically stood together for a good contract with your employer. The mission of your union, Service Employees International Union Local 49 (SEIU 49), is “to improve the lives of working families.” The union’s capacity to carry out its work of negotiating contracts that provide living wages, affordable health insurance, and retirement benefits is directly related to the level of its members’ participation.
You are receiving this notice because you are currently not a full member of SEIU 49 nor are you paying dues. As a represented employee covered by a collective bargaining agreement, you have a right to be a member of SEIU 49. Employees that are members of the union pay dues and enjoy voting rights of contracts and officers, invitation and recognition at events, and eligibility for scholarships and other union-benefit programs.
Enclosed please find a link to fill out your Union Membership Application. Send your membership application to SEIU Local 49 by March 1, 2026 and become active in our union as we stand up to improve the standard of living for workers in Oregon and Washington.
This is your Final Notice: You will be removed from the Multnomah County Security Program Contract effective March 15, 2026, if you do not meet your obligations as outlined in this letter. If you wish to be considered for additional opportunities with Inter-Con at a location not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, please contact Inter Con recruiting. Please see other side for more information about additional dues procedures.
Make your workplace Union Strong by becoming a member.
ADDITIONAL DUES PROCEDURES
The contract with your employer contains a union security clause which requires you, as a condition of employment, to pay dues.
Dues are the resources that unionized workers pool together so we can solve problems in our workplaces and improve standards in our industries and livelihoods. Every member’s dues-contribution leads to a strong and effective organization that produces pay increases, health coverage, paid time off and other benefits. These benefits are spelled out in our union contracts that members of SEIU 49 negotiate with management. As you probably know, union workers receive higher wages and are more likely to have employer-provided health insurance, pensions and paid sick leave than non-union workers.
SEIU Local 49, like other unions, spends most of its funds on collective-bargaining related activities involving contract bargaining, internal organizing, and representation, as well as small amounts for community efforts, charitable donations, and political advocacy regarding the issues that impact our members’ lives and the lives of all working families. Our union dues are decided by our membership and cannot be used for individual political candidates. Dues can never go up without a vote from our membership.
Becoming a full member of SEIU Local 49 is the best way to have a strong union, a voice on the job, and a fair workplace. However, if any apply to you, these are other ways of fulfilling your obligation:
Agency Fee Payers: Employees represented in a Union-shop may choose not to be members, however, non-members still must pay all dues related to representational activities and do not enjoy the privileges of participating in the union’s affairs, voting on contracts or union officers, and certain benefits. Employees who choose to object to the payment of full membership-dues must fill out a payroll deduction form provided by your employer or directly pay agency fees to SEIU Local 49 on a monthly-basis. An objection to membership must also be submitted in writing, include the employee’s full name, address, current wage rate, and employer, and be sent to SEIU Local 49 525 NE Oregon St, Portland, OR 97232. Such a request is valid until withdrawn by the employee. With your objection, you may request a breakdown of representational and non-representational expenses. Agency costs for representation include initiation fees and dues spent on negotiations with employers, organizing bargaining strength in our industries, grievance handling, legal work, and related activities.
Non-Work Dues: If you are going to be away from your position for more than one pay-period, please contact your dues administrator at 503-236-4949, ext. 208. You may be entitled to a reduced dues rate.
Withdrawal Card: If you are leaving your current union position, you may request a withdrawal card. The cost is $5. The card guarantees you a waiver of any future initiation fee at other SEIU Locals. Other unions also recognize the card and may grant waivers at their discretion.