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IBEW Local 659
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OPT IN to receive Text messages of upcoming meetings, notification of dues and other LU 659 news. Stay Connected!!
Members/recipients can click here to log in at notify.Workingsystems.com, using their cell phone number, to opt-in or opt-out of receiving text messages. You can also scan this QR code to opt-in now:
Click here to view a video with instructions for opting in and opting out on this website.
The FCC adopted new rules relating to texting in December of 2023. The previous rules of the TCPA only applied to phone calls, but this was considered a loophole that prevented the FCC from going after bad actors abusing text messaging. These new rules are meant to eliminate that loophole. Click here to read more.Unfortunately, this catches unions and ourselves in the crossfire. The texting providers now have much higher exposure to fines if they aren’t enforcing all the new requirements. The texting providers now require proof that we're attaining affirmative consent from the recipient before our system can send text messages to that phone number.
Based on the way these rules are written, the fines end up being per text message that violates these rules. The minimum fine per text message is 500 dollars, and can go as high as 1500 per text message if it can be proven to violate "knowingly and willfully". Click here to read more.
As you might imagine, most union locals are sending enough text messages that it would add up fast.
The perception among commentators is that most situations won't reach litigation or fines for users like us at the volumes we're doing. The purpose of the rule change is largely to give teeth to the FCC and the Consumer Protection Agency to chase down bad actors that send huge volumes of text messages to people who never consented to them.
However, the risk is non-zero. The concern we have is that, historically, if someone came along wanting to bash unions with whatever legal bludgeon they can find, this could be wielded by a crafty enemy of labor unions.
So, in order to conform to this, and ensure that the system has the lowest risk possible, we are not allowing exceptions to the affirmative opt-in requirement in our own opt-in system. While the perceived chance of litigation and the resulting legal fees and fines is very remote, the possible expenses are great enough that the risk isn’t worth it.
Support LU 659 Journeyman Wireman Kief Noble's Battle Against Brain Cancer
Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Hearts,
I am reaching out to you with a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit to share the story of my brother, Kief, who is currently facing the battle of his life—stage 4 brain cancer.
On March 10th, Kief was working in Lakeview, OR, when he suddenly collapsed during a phone call with his wife, Jen. The fear of not knowing what had happened was overwhelming for Jen, who was 200 miles away at the time. She quickly called 911, and Kief was rushed to the hospital. After multiple trips to the ER and tests, it was determined he had a tumor on his brain.
Click here to read more and donate now.Click here to join the Meal Train.
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Oregon Electric Test Prep in Conjunction with IBEW Local 659
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Upcoming Events
May 28 Wed RENEW Committee
May 28, 20254480 Rogue Valley Hwy Ste 3 Central Point OR 97502Jun 02 Mon Medford Unit Meeting
Jun 02, 2025Central Point Labor Temple 4480 Rogue Valley HwyJun 02 Mon Yreka Unit Meeting
Jun 02, 2025All Unit meetings will be held in Yreka. Elks Lodge, 332 W. Miner St.Jun 03 Tue Klamath Falls Unit Meeting
Jun 03, 2025IWA Hall, 3836 Altamont DrJun 04 Wed Albany/Corvallis Unit Meeting
Jun 04, 2025Central Electrical Training Center, 33309 Hwy 99 E Tangent