FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER

Hello Local 44 members.  Well, I was fortunate to attend the 32^nd Lineman’s Rodeo in Townsend and although the mood was quite somber, I can’t help but admire and appreciate the comradery and Brotherhood & Sisterhood that was on full display.  I don’t have the correct words to describe my heartache and sorrow surrounding this year’s tragedy, so I won’t even try too.  Therefore, all I want to say is thank you to everyone involved who poured a lot of time, sweat, and tears into making sure the rodeo went onward and was a huge success.  After everything that happened, I know Mr. David Dixon was smiling from above and applauding the actions of all the volunteers and participants.  Dave loved his family dearly and he loved Lineman’s Rodeo time so much. Until we meet again, RIP my brother and I’ll see you on the other side.

The Local 44 work picture has been improving since last month with one open work call currently on our job board now.  Also, we have 2 members currently on JL Book 1 and 6 on Book 2.  The Sub-Tech Books have 2 signs.  The Journeyman Operator Books have 1 on Book 1 and the rest are clear.   Groundman Books have a few members occupying the pages as well.  Book 1 has 2 signs and Book 4 has 44 signs.  And finally, Pole Inspection Book 1 has 2 individuals signed on it.  Please don’t hesitate to call our office at 406-723-3203 or check our website at www.ibew44.org for current Book statuses and to update your contact information.  We on occasion see returned mail because of bad addresses and incorrect phone numbers as well.  Please take the time to let us know if you’ve moved or recently changed phone numbers.  We want to be able to communicate properly with the entire membership and to do so, we need your assistance.  Thank you, in advance, for your attention and understanding concerning this important matter.

Fraternally,

Scott Klungland

FROM THE ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER

Ah August!  The hottest month of the year here in Montana!  A big boned persons nemesis!  Like kryptonite to Superman is like August to me!  Hey, just in case anyone out there is an inventor and is looking for a Billion Dollar idea?  I have two words for you.  AIRCONDITIONED HOODIE!!!  Boom, that just happened and you’re welcome!  Picture if you will it’s 100 degrees outside, you’re outside flat getting after it as we here at the IBEW do!  You are sweating your, you know what, off and suddenly bang!  You put on your patented AC Hintz Hoodie!  You crank the ergonomic temperature control down to a balmy 65 degrees Fahrenheit and just like that, August just became hoodie season.  As a bonus the old love handles, and goiter just disappeared as well.  Man, I’m telling you the AC Hintz Hoodie might be bigger than indoor plumbing!  

Now that I got that out of the way, RENEW is continuing to make some great moves and was able to donate an MKC Mini Speed Goat Knife with an addition leather sheath to a scholarship fund raiser over in my hometown of Anaconda.  They also donated an MKC Speed Goat 2.0 to the Montana Lineman Rodeo with an added leather case.  We are so thankful to everyone who participates in our RENEW raffles and fundraisers that make it possible for us to donate these items.  Good job RENEW and keep up the good work!

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:

Cole Edmondson – Journeyman Lineman

Aaron Poliska – Journeyman Lineman

Christopher Scott – Journeyman Lineman

Great job and best wishes for a great career!

MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZER

Is there a threat?  That is a question often brought up when the talk of work comes up and who is doing it, Union or Non-union.  If the answer is Non-union labor performing the work, then our answer is yes, there is a threat.  But by who?  The company hiring the non-union, the non-union labor, or the company supplying the non-union labor?  Before we go to battle, we should always have a clear and decisive picture of who the enemy is.  We should also put thought into who also may be a threat but sitting in the stands watching the battle with the smirk on their face.

I bring this up because of the projects being done in our area and who may be coming in to perform the work.  We are working diligently to make sure anyone crossing the border is working under an agreement of some type.  The astonishing facts are that the companies that we have dealt with thus far have no quarrels with paying the rates that are required to work here.  The companies needing the work done have an endless supply of free money (pun intended) and the individuals doing the work are getting paid right.  So, is there a threat?  Not as long as the money is right, but it is also surprising to me that there is enough money to go around.  Especially after all of the propaganda that has gone on in the past about being broke and us out pricing ourselves.  The players in the game may be competition and our job is to make sure the playing field is fair, but I’m thinking the threat isn’t even getting dirty!  They are in the stands spreading rumors.

Your Brother,

Boe Shuman

(406) 533-8170

RETIRED MEMBERS

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

Michael Gillespie

Jeffrey Shellenberg

Denis Stickley

Best wishes for a long and happy retirement!

AUGUST UNIT MEETING

General Membership              Aug.20, 2025              6:00 PM          Local 44 Office