FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER

Well, it’s been busy with multiple negotiations still in the hopper.  Asplundh Tree and the Statewide Agreement are still unresolved.  We are actively working to exchange new proposals and as of this writing, Asplundh’s management is on the hook to counter the Union’s latest offer.  We are working hard to find a compromise and an acceptable offer the membership will consider passing. 

On a different note, I’m happy to report a new 3-year contract with Vigilante Electric Cooperative.  I would like to thank my Local 44 negotiating team for your participation and overall professionalism at the table.  Fortunately, I believe we have established a respectful rapport with Vigilante’s General Manager and Board of Directors.  Also, Local 44 has been planning and organizing information from the Outside Construction Unit in prep for their upcoming negotiations.  I’ve tried to create a more active involvement from the membership by having multiple meetings well ahead of time.  My hope is that the membership will continue to show up and voice their opinions pertaining to what direction our negotiations will go moving forward.  I appreciate our committee members’ active participation up to this point and all their hard prep work.  They say it takes a “village” and it’s been very apparent how much good teammates really matter.  Prepping for negotiations takes a ton of time and dedication.  So, a huge shout out to those individuals.  You guys are valued and much appreciated. 

In closing, I’m optimistic the construction work picture will pick up and put more of our members to work soon.  Don’t forget to conduct detailed tailboards and encourage all crew members to communicate and ask questions.  Staying safe takes a dedicated commitment and that only gets accomplished with good engagement from everyone.

In Unity,

Scott Klungland

406-565-6839

FROM THE ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER

Those of you who know me from my younger years can testify that I am not who I used to be.  As all of us gain wisdom as we get older, I feel I have as well.  Maybe slower than most but come on, it’s me.  Some of you may know more than a little of my wisdom has come from being beaten up by friends and strangers alike.  Heck some of you may have witnessed or participated in me becoming quite good at blocking punches with my face and body.  I like to think of the way the other fellas’ hands must have felt when he got done smashing them off my face and think maybe they learned their lesson.  Many phases of my life have come to pass, young and dumb, just dumb, Apprentice, JL, back to dumb, Husband, Father, Mud Dog, Coach, Teacher, Assist. B.M. and more.  One of the most important lessons I have learned in life was taught to me as a young child, often referred to as the golden rule “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”  One thing I can say about all but two of those times I was learning how to effectively break a knuckle with my face is that standing up for myself or someone else is sometimes a necessary part of life even if you lose every time and I mean every time.  Lead with your face, that’s my motto.  What’s your point you might ask?  I have found that many times a person can save some pain and shame by both standing up for yourself and others while keeping the golden rule.  It is hard to do but I have witnessed it.  Recently the 21-year-old punk that lives inside of me, who doesn’t do well with effective communication, emerged on two separate occasions with three members, you probably know who you are and I do not apologize for what I said, but how I said it.  The amount of behind-the-scenes effort put in by Local 44 on the day to day is pretty tough for me to see disrespected.  That being said, my tone didn’t help.  It was very rude, and belittling and I do apologize for that and hope you all may give me a second chance at our conversations.  Given the chance I know that we can find common ground and move forward united, or at least with a better understanding of one another.

Let’s get together,

Your Brother,

Kyle Hintz

406-565-3250

khintz@ibew44.org     

JOURNEYMAN UPGRADES

Local 44 would like to congratulate the following members for achieving Journeyman status:

Joshuah Jackman – Journeyman Operator

Liam Lecoure – Journeyman Lineman

Christopher Stacy – URD Gas Tech Operator

Michale Luke Wood – Journeyman Lineman

Great job and best wishes for a great career!

IN MEMORIAM

Local 44 mourns the loss of the following retired members:

John (Jack) Benjamin – Journeyman Gasman – passed away 3/2/24

Ted Zimmerman – Hydro Operator Maintenance Man – passed away 4/8/24

Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of these Brothers.

MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZER

Hope everyone is doing well and excited for the summer to come.  We are in the process of preparing for our upcoming Outside Construction negotiations that will take place May 2^nd and 3^rd in Helena.  Our outside members are excited to get their chance at the table and discuss what their future will look like both financially and contractually.

There have been phone calls being made to the Hall and the staff that are a concerning subject and one that circles back around every so often.  It is the conversation about our “out of work list” or “the books”.  So, I think now is a good time to discuss what it means to have your name on this list.  If you sign your name on this list or any list that is “out of work”, that means you are not working.  If you take a call anywhere in the country, it is your responsibility to remove your name from all of the locations you have signed.  It has come to my attention that some individuals believe that if they are working on a storm call or one that might not last too long then it is ok to keep your name on the books.  This way of thinking is 100% not true and very much the wrong thing to do.  Why you ask?  Well, for the most important reason, if you are doing this you are taking up a spot in front of a brother or sister that is not working and waiting for a call.  I could go on and on about the reasons why this is wrong.  But, to put it simply and for everyone to understand, it is called an “out of work list” so if you are working then why would you be on the list.  The only way a person can be employed and still have their name on the books is if it is a short call and you work less than 40 hours.  Other than that, your name shall be removed.  Hopefully this clarifies some misconceptions out there and if anyone has more questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of us.

Your Brother,

Boe Shuman

406-533-8170

RETIRED MEMBERS

Local 44 would like to congratulate the following members who have retired from the trade:

James (Tony) Ferguson

Jeffrey Noble

Best wishes for a long and happy retirement!

MESSAGE FROM LOCAL 44 MEMBER

Hope all of you are doing well.  It is that time we are going into negotiations.  It has been great to see so many different members.  This has been great.  We are only as good as a union as we are together.  In the last meeting I have seen how together we can agree on things and help each other.  It really was great to see so many people that rarely show up to be there.  This is what we need to be a stronger Union.  We need to come together as a whole and fight together.

There are places and events to come together as a family and an organization.  Recently we have started RENEW, and as I see it RENEW has been developed for a lot of reasons to bring us together as a family. Much like the Rodeo, volunteer fire fighters, non-profits and so much more.  We are a family of line workers.  Help us get together as a family.  Bring your family to our next family organized union event. Maybe the Rodeo, Golf, or RENEW event.  Stay strong, Stand together.  Get involved somehow, even if it is just attending the meetings and voicing your opinion.  Hope to see you and maybe your family soon.

Thank you,

Bob McCormick

MAY UNIT MEETINGS

Great Falls                   May 06, 2024              6:00 PM          Great Falls Labor Temple

Havre                          May 07, 2024              6:00 PM          Elks Lodge     

Lewistown                  May 08, 2024              5:30 PM          NWE Service Center

            Billings                        May 09, 2024              CANCELLED

Helena                         May 20, 2024              5:00 PM          Helena Labor Temple

Bozeman                     May 21, 2024              6:00 PM          Bozeman Labor Temple

Missoula                      May 22, 2024              6:00 PM          Missoula Labor Temple

Butte                           May 23, 2024              5:30 PM          Local 44 Office