FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas and Holiday Season.  Now that we have entered the new year of 2026, l would like to wish all Local 44 members the healthiest and safest year to come. 

We have a very busy negotiations schedule this year starting off with four (4) NorthWestern Energy contracts, ELM Locating and Utility Services agreement, the four (4) Line Clearance Tree Trimming CBAs, and Beartooth Electric Cooperative’s contract to finish off 2026.  During last month's newsletter article, I wrote about the importance of member solidarity and unity at the bargaining table.  I discussed a few examples, from my perspective, that I feel are extremely valuable to adhere to throughout the bargaining process.  One big topic I failed to mention though was the concept of disagreement.  Disagreeing on strategy, disagreeing on tactics, disagreeing on direction, disagreeing on delivery, disagreeing on execution, disagreeing on representation, and etcetera.  I could go on for quite a while discussing disagreement, but I will spare you.  My main point is simply the fact that disagreements can and most definitely will occur.  We need to mutually recognize and accept disagreement as a healthy and vital part of the bargaining process, because it truly is.  How an individual chooses to proceed with disagreement is certainly a vast dynamic and depends solely on the eye of the beholder.  I would challenge members to handle disagreements in a resourceful manner because it beats the alternative by a hundred miles.  I’m always open to discussing alternatives as there’s one hundred plus ways to complete a task.  I believe offering up realistic viable solutions is a great way to turn disagreements into productive communication.  It’s on all of us to do our part and doing our part starts with the willingness to focus on delivering constructive context.  Again, achieving our goals and amplifying our interests starts first with a commitment to solidarity and unity. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful 2026.

                                                                                                               In Unity,

Scott Klungland

FROM THE ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER

Happy New Year all, here’s to a great 2026!  With the start of the new year, now is a great time to look back at 2025 and what has been accomplished at Local 44 and our industry.  Our Local was able to work through the process with NorthWestern Energy on negotiating a brand-new contract with the Dave Gates Generation Plant.  This brought new members into the I.B.E.W. that had long waited to be part of our Brotherhood.  We welcomed new members from Energy West that now are employed by NorthWestern.  Contracts were ratified for Marias River Electric Cooperative, Triangle Communications, and Missoula Electric Cooperative.  These negotiations went well, and I would like to personally thank those members that stepped up to the plate when asked to be on their respected negotiating committee.  This task is not easy and can be very demanding for a person that is out of their comfort zone when presented with what is asked of them.  Our membership grew throughout the year to nearly 1300 members, breaking an all-time high in Local 44’s history.  Our Local saw 89 new “A” members, and 136 new “BA” members. We dispatched 188 calls for manpower needs on the Construction side. 

On the National Level, the I.B.E.W. grew membership to over 860,000 members nationwide. And with that it should be said with great pride that there is strength in numbers.  We have a tremendous amount of Brothers and Sisters that will stand behind us and likewise to them when needed.   

Be safe, always on time, and for God's sake do it right the first time because go backs will kill a job! 

Your Brother,

Boe Shuman

406-533-8170

JOURNEYMAN UPGRADES

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

Branson Bagley – Journeyman Lineman

Jacob Roberts – Journeyman Lineman

Carter Smith – Journeyman Lineman

Austin Swan – Journeyman Lineman

Deric Thomas – Journeyman Lineman

Great job and best wishes for a great career!

RETIRED MEMBERS

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

Stephen Douglass

David Friede

Craig Read

Best wishes for a long and happy retirement!

IN MEMORIAM

Local 44 mourns the loss of the following members:

Donald Oliver – Journeyman Lineman – passed away 11/17/25

Travis “Trapper” Skoyen – Lineman – passed away 12/1/25

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

JANUARY UNIT MEETING

Great Falls                   Jan. 05, 2026               6:00 PM          Great Falls Labor Temple

Havre                          Jan. 06, 2026               6:00 PM          Elks Lodge     

Lewistown                  Jan. 07, 2026               5:45 PM          Fergus Electric

            Billings                        Jan. 08, 2026               5:30 PM          NWE Service Center

Line Construction       Jan. 17, 2026               10:00 AM        Helena Labor Temple

Helena                         Jan. 19, 2026               5:00 PM          Helena Labor Temple

Bozeman                     Jan. 20, 2026               6:00 PM          Bozeman Labor Temple

Missoula                      Jan. 21, 2026               6:00 PM          Missoula Labor Temple

Butte                           Jan. 22, 2026               5:45 PM          Local 44 Office