In addition to your negotiated hourly wage and union representation, there are many benefits available to you as a member in good standing of Laborers' International Union, Local 563 including the following: 

Minnesota AFL-CIO

175 Aurora Ave St. Paul, MN 55103

Phone: 651-227-7647 Fax: 651-227-3801

“A STRONG UNITED VOICE FOR MINNESOTA’S WORKING PEOPLE”

Minnesota Laborers' Fringe Benefit Funds

c/o Zenith American Solutions 

For information pertaining to your Vacation, Pension and Health/Welfare Funds, contact Zenith American Solutions. 

Please note that you must contact Zenith with any changes to your address, phones number(s), dependent(s) or beneficiary. It is your responsibility to ensure they have the correct information on file.

Main Switchboard 651-256-1800

Toll Free 800-814-4240

Fax 651-256-1901

Website www.zenith-american.com

Provider Directory www.bluecrossmn.com/members

Physical Address

2520 Pilot Knob Road

Suite 325

Mendota Heights, MN 55120

Mailing Address

PO Box 124

Minneapolis, MN 55440-0124

When applying for unemployment benefits in Minnesota, the application form asks whether an applicant has received "vacation pay". In the past, there has been some confusion by Minnesota Laborers who receive their annual or special payouts from the Minnesota Laborers' Vacation Fund around the same time that they apply for unemployment benefits. When completing the application form, if a Laborer answers "yes", that they have received "vacation pay", their unemployment benefits are delayed or denied.

In the recent decision, Auren v DEED, A05-606 (March 28, 2006), the Minnesota Court of Appeals determined that a withdrawal from the Minnesota Laborers' Vacation Fund does notaffect eligibility for unemployment benefits because:

Laborers' Vacation Fund withdrawals are made at the request of the member;

Laborers' Vacation Fund withdrawals are made out of the member's own account;

Laborers' Vacation Fund withdrawals are wages already earned by the employee and already taxed

Laborers' Vacation Fund withdrawals are made regardless of whether the member is laid off or working.

Therefore, Laborers' Vacation Fund withdrawals do not meet the definition of "vacation pay" under Minnesota law.

Union Plus was created by the AFL-CIO in 1986 to provide union members and their families with high-quaility consumer benefits and services. No dues money goes into the development and operation of any Union Privilege programs. Instead, Union Privilege uses the collective purchasing strength of over 13 millions members of AFL-CIO unions to develop programs that provide more quality, value and service than comparable programs available to the general public. These programs include, but ar not limited to the following: Mortgage Program, Credit Card, Loans, Car Rental Discounts, Legal Service and Insurance Programs.

Go to www.unionplus.org for more information.

BTCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, serving the men and women in the building and construction trades and their families since 1957. Services offered to members include: checking & savings accounts, loans, low interest VISA card, investments, and more.

Go to www.buildingtradesCU.com or call (763) 315-3888 for more information.

There are a number of scholarship programs available to union members and their dependents. 

Laborers' Local 563 Scholarship: 10 - $1000 awards to qualified applicants.

To see a list of requirements click here

AFL-CIO Scholarship Program: There are a number of awards available to applicants meeting eligibility requirements. Click here for application or contact the Union Office.

Visit Union Plus Scholarship Program for an application and requirements or contact the Union Office. 

The Minnesota LECET Academic Scholarship and Leadership Grant program embraces that notion through our unique financial assistance programs made available only to LIUNA MN & ND Members and Staff Members employed by Union Signatory Contractors with LIUNA MN & ND. 

2024 LECET Scholarship Program Alert

Academic Scholarship Program Rules Application 2024

Leadership Grant Program Rule & Application 2024

The Building Trades Credit Union awards 20 $250 scholarships to students enrolled in a union apprentice training program, and five $1,000 scholarships to other students pursuing a post-secondary education. Click here for application.

We are excited to announce a new SCETT Fund benefit option that offers college benefits with no out-of-pocket costs to SCETT Fund participants as well as their family members (spouses, children, financial dependents and even grandchildren).

We have partnered with the Student Resource Center to extend a way for SCETT Fund participants and their family members to work toward obtaining an associates degree through the Eastern Gateway Community College. All course work is done on-line and there are no out of pocket costs for tuition, fees or books!

Also, the courses offered are regionally accredited and transferable and the college will work to help determine whether any previous college effort or relevant work or military experience counts towards your degree. A staff member will guide the participant/family member through the process of applying and signing up for the courses. Eastern Gateway Community College is focused on helping students achieve personal education goals at their own pace.

Please see the link on the top banner of the SCETTF.org website for more specific details!

As always, we appreciate your support of the SCETT Fund and if we can assist in anyway, please contact us at 202-942-2313 or 202-942-2348.

“We’re here to assist you … in restoring balance to your work and home life.” 

Employee Assistance Program specializes in assisting union members with any of the following challenging life issues: Relationship Issues, Parent/Child, Problem Drinking and/or Drug Abuse, Gambling, Family Violence, Loss and Grief, Financial Crises, Depression, Concern over Aging Parents, Job Stress, Legal, and more Phone: 651-430-3383 Toll Free: 888-243-5744. 

Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Apply for unemployment benefits online or by telephone. Phone: 651-296-3644 (Twin Cities) Toll Free: 877-898-9090 (Greater Minnesota)

The American Pride Family of companies provide individuals, families and organizations a One-Stop Shop for all their real estate, insurance and financial needs.”

Mortgage Services, Retirement Planning, Real Estate Services, Annuities, Life Insurance, Disability Income Protection, and Home Construction

10153 University Ave Blaine, MN 55434 Phone: 763-783-0796 Fax: 763-783-0798.