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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.
Announcements
Cascade Pension Trust – Milliman Education Webinars (Click to Join)
To help keep contractors and their employees informed, we’re sharing details on upcoming Milliman education webinars related to the Cascade Pension Plan. These sessions walk through the pension plan update, what’s changing with the recordkeeper, key dates, and any actions participants may want to consider.
Cascade Pension Plan – Milliman Education Webinars
All sessions begin at 6:30 PM and are held via Zoom.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Click here to Join Zoom:Meeting ID: 929 4530 7450
Passcode: 000773
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Click here to Join Zoom
Meeting ID: 950 1006 4697
Passcode: 667949
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Click here to Join Zoom
Meeting ID: 916 2953 6349
Passcode: 651585
Record-breaking results for an incredible cause!
We are beyond proud to announce that the Pacific Northwest Lineman Rodeo committee has delivered its largest donation to date to the Legacy Oregon Burn Center.
This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our 4 local chapters, our dedicated members, and our partner employers. Thank you for showing up, competing with heart, and helping us give back to a center that does so much for our community. Together, we’re making a real difference.
Support Brother Alex Reynoso
Brother Alex Reynoso, a Local 659 Wireman from Klamath Falls, once again finds himself facing serious medical challenges and is in need of our support.
Many of you may remember passing the hat for Alex last year when he was hospitalized after suffering multiple strokes. Sadly, Alex has recently been hospitalized again—this time battling a flesh-eating bacterial infection that developed as a complication from his previous surgeries. The infection has severely affected his neck, requiring multiple surgeries in the past week. He now faces another difficult road to recovery.
Alex is not only a great union brother—he’s a friend to many and a genuinely good man. As the sole provider for his family, this unexpected health crisis places a heavy financial burden on his shoulders.
We’re asking all members, friends, and supporters to come together in solidarity and help ease that burden. Any donation, big or small, will make a difference and allow Alex to focus on what matters most: healing.
Donate here:
https://unionly.io/o/ibew659store/alex-reynoso
Thank you for your continued generosity and union brotherhood.
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IBEW 659 Women's Committee Merchandise
Upcoming Events
Jan 27 Tue Veteran's Committee
Jan 27, 2026Jan 28 Wed RENEW Committee
Jan 28, 20264480 Rogue Valley Hwy Ste 3 Central Point OR 97502 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86748137663?pwd=ktIP4w08qdV8sye7qlrYxGx8NAciSE.1Feb 02 Mon Medford Unit Meeting
Feb 02, 2026Central Point Labor Temple 4480 Rogue Valley HwyFeb 03 Tue Klamath Falls Unit Meeting
Feb 03, 2026IWA Hall, 3836 Altamont DrFeb 03 Tue Bandon Unit Meeting
Feb 03, 2026Electric Yard 455 13th St SEMember Offers
Register to Vote
