Every month, thousands of public employees across the country make a life-changing decision: They choose to opt out of union dues.
For some, it’s about reclaiming their paycheck. For others, it’s about standing firm in their values.
Whatever the reason, these decisions are powerful — and they deserve to be shared. As we begin the New Year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on these stories and the possibilities they inspire for the future.
Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with hundreds of these employees, each with their own unique story. Hearing their struggles, frustrations, and victories inspired me to start this monthly blog series: “Opting Out: Public Employees Speak Out.”
This series is all about amplifying the voices of workers who’ve decided, “Enough is enough,” and encouraging others to make this New Year a time for their own fresh start.
For this first installment, I want to share a conversation I had recently — one that really hit home for me. It’s the story of an Oregon state employee who, like so many others, decided to take back control after years of frustration with his union.
Yesterday, among the many calls I received from public employees, one stood out. It was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
An Oregon state employee reached out after receiving another one of our mailers. He wanted to learn more about opting out and, by the end of our conversation, was ready to make the leap.
As we spoke, he grew more comfortable and started sharing his story — a journey of frustration, realization, and ultimately, empowerment.
For years, he stayed a member of SEIU 503 despite growing dissatisfaction. Every month, $150 in union dues disappeared from his paycheck — an eye-opening $1,800 a year. When he finally reviewed his pay stub and did the math, he couldn’t believe it.
Nearly $2,000 annually, and for what?
The amount even shocked me — he was paying more than the average $850 that most public employees typically pay. It was a stark reminder of just how much was at stake for him.
His answer: not much.
In his words, the union seemed more focused on throwing the occasional pizza party than addressing real workplace issues. He didn’t agree with their values, didn’t see the benefits they claimed to provide, and didn’t like the pressure they put on employees to stay. Even so, he remained a member—out of habit and fear of standing out.
But recently, something shifted.
That pay stub was his wake-up call. “Why am I paying for something I don’t believe in?” he asked himself.
Fed up, he decided it was time to opt out.
This courageous step didn’t just save him money— it gave him back control.
He told me how good it felt to reclaim his hard-earned dollars and finally break free from a system he didn’t support.
His story is a reminder that every paycheck tells a story, and too often, union dues are just another line item we don’t think to question. For him, asking those questions led to a simple yet life-changing decision — opting out.
Stories like his keep us going. They inspire everyone at the Freedom Foundation to keep fighting for workers who feel stuck or silenced. And I hope they inspire you, too. Maybe you’re here because you’re considering opting out but aren’t sure where to start.
Or maybe you’ve already opted out and want to help a coworker make the same choice.
Wherever you are in your journey, we’re here to help.
If you’ve ever looked at your pay stub and wondered whether union dues are really worth it, remember: You’re not alone. You have options, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Visit www.OptOutToday.com for more information and resources to help you make the best decision for your future.
These courageous individuals deserve to have their voices heard. With the New Year underway, it’s a great time to empower more workers to take control of their paychecks and their futures.
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