Local 23 was established in Tacoma, Washington in 1936 and since 1945 has been part of an international labor union whose primary focus is the white collar worker. 

There are approximately 200 OPEIU locals in the United States representing over 125,000 office, technical, social service and healthcare workers.

 In Washington, over 1,000 members throughout the State are represented by Local 23. 

OPEIU Local 23 negotiates and administers approximately 50 labor agreements covering employees in both the private and public sectors of business. The agreements establish wages, hours and working conditions for employees within a variety of industries. Local 23 represents employees within county government, private business, social service agencies, legal firms, medical and mental health care professions and office employees of other major labor unions in the area.

Through its affiliation with the Washington State Labor Council, Local 23 has a strong voice in legislative matters of particular concern to workers such as benefits and workplace safety. The International Union provides the local with information on trends in collective bargaining, grievance handling and wage and benefit packaging in order to assure quality services for members.