Dues
How much are union dues?
Yes. Members of ILWU Local 5 pay union dues. According to ILWU Local 5’s 2025 LM 2 financial report, dues collected by the local averaged approximately 1.8% of members’ gross income, though this figure most likely reflects the local portion only and may not fully itemize the separate per capita payments sent to the International.
All members receive the same representation and rights, regardless of how dues are calculated or how much they pay, and additional costs—such as initiation fees or assessments—may apply if authorized under union rules.
How does the union collect union dues?
If a union is voted in and a contract is negotiated, union dues are typically collected through automatic payroll deduction. Dues are deducted directly from employees’ paychecks according to the dues structure established by the ILWU Constitution and the collective bargaining agreement.
Can the ILWU increase dues?
Yes. The ILWU can increase dues, but only through a vote of delegates at a national constitutional convention—not by local union decision or individual officers.
What if I don’t want to join the union or pay dues?
Under Oregon law, you are not required to join the union as a member, but if the union is voted in, you may still be required to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment. If the union wins, the terms of any negotiated contract apply to you whether or not you join, but only union members are allowed to vote on contract ratification or union leadership.
Wouldn't we control how our dues are spent?
No. Decisions about how union dues are spent are made by the ILWU’s leadership and governing bodies, not individual members.
By law, unions are required to disclose how dues money is spent in an annual financial report filed with the U.S. Department of Labor (known as an LM‑2 report), which is available for public review.
Can the Union collect other monies besides dues?
Yes. In addition to monthly dues, the ILWU Constitution authorizes the collection of initiation fees, fines, and other assessments. Each new member may be required to pay an initiation fee as a condition of membership. (Article 16 – Initiation Fees and Dues).
The ILWU Constitution authorizes the union to impose fines or other disciplinary penalties on members who violate union rules or fail to comply with authorized union actions, including crossing a lawfully established picket line, pursuant to the procedures and due process requirements set forth in Article XIX (Charges, Trials, and Penalties) and the obligations related to strike activity in Article XXII (Strikes, Lockouts, and Boycotts).