The IUOE is trying to impose a new policy that would force all independent member websites to restrict access to IUOE members only. The illegal policy is currently being challenged in federal court.

What would such a restriction look like in practice? How would members react?

Try visiting this website, for a slate of candidates in IUOE Local 150: http://www.150forward.com

(Anyone know anything about the Matrix Group International beyond what's on their website?)

The Matrix's barrier to entry drew this response from an IUOE member:

"...Long live FREEDOM of SPEECH, Long live a REAL UNION. Until a federal court Judge makes a ruling the IUOE will continue trying to shut us down, LONG live Democracy and REFORM is coming....

"USE MY ID 1405349 David M Jenkinson to log in if you want to remain unknown by the International. Charges, I don't know nothin about any stinking Charges. It helps to laugh at the BASTARDS."

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/SeeYaSink/message/165