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FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER
There are 14 calls on the board, with a few guys trickling back from California wanting to find a spot and be here for hunting season. But, at the same time a few are trickling out before winter sets in as well. It is now apparent on all fronts that the work force we have is those who want to work at home. A large group work a few months or weeks here at home, they try to re-establish their family connections, get their list of honey do’s done and then head back out to take advantage of the money that is offered elsewhere. There is work in nearly all directions and some of it will last for quite some time. Still we must get things done here at home. Many of our local utilities need lineman. Jobs are open across the state, everywhere from Anaconda, Bozeman, Missoula, Butte, Belgrade, Red Lodge, Great Falls, Big Sky, and the Hi Line areas, just to mention a few.
By the time you get this we will have initiated negotiations with Hill County. Hopefully we will both have learned a lot from the last round, and we can get things done in short order and in a mutually beneficial way. Missoula Electric is next with NorthWestern soon to follow. We will keep you posted.
Sitting in this chair has given me the opportunity to build on relationships with our employers. Relationships are actually pretty good, but we still have a long way to go. I try to impress upon them that we feel as they do, this is our industry, our lively hoods and we are very proud of what we do. We, the IBEW, make for great partners and we want all industry parts to do well. In return we merely want to be recognized as the professionals that we are, to be treated with dignity, respect and earn a fair wage. Not having our veracity questioned with every time ticket. Problems arise when employees are looked at as only parts of a machine instead of as real professionals and the people who make the whole thing work. It is not a new topic. In 1917, the IBEW, Local 65 at the time, went out on strike after 8 months of negotiations and the companies refusal to offer any type of pay increase even though the cost of living was sky rocketing. In 1962, again the IBEW was forced to go on strike by Montana Power Co. I worked with many who were part of that effort to improve conditions. The settlement was 4.5 percent the first year and 3.8 percent the second year. The minimum wage was set at $1.25 per hour which was equivalent of about $10.62 an hour today. Lineman earned $2.92 per hour. In 1963, the IBEW walked off the job in support of the Gas Department Workers who were involved in difficult negotiations with MPC. We have come close at other times, twice more being sanctioned by the International to cease work only to reach last minute agreements. This year it is good to be in conversations early to set a tone aimed at helping avoid such action. I have faith we both recognize that throughout our 100 plus year history we work better when we work together.
In Brotherhood,
Bill
ROB’S OUTDOORS CORNER
Well I didn’t win the Ironman Classic but I did enjoy family and friends at the fish fry provided by my Uncle Jim and cooked up by retired lineman and Great Uncle Sam Atkins, aka “Alabama Hush Puppy King”. On the fishing front, Andy, Drew Bob Hank and Mike Knapstad are catching good perch on Holter Lake. (Don’t tell anybody it’s a secret, he doesn’t want anyone to know.) The insider’s report on hunting is keep an eye on your buddies. All the permits are out and you will know who your friends are if they invite you along or just call when they need help dragging critters to the truck. It could be steaks for everybody as Andy Knapstad did draw several permits and… AND… got a new Mathews Vertix Bow.
That’s all for now,
Rob
LONNIE STRICKLAND
My good friend and mentor, Lonnie Strickland, passed away this past month. He is of that generation that loved what they did, enjoyed life and made no apologies. I think I heard that man chuckle or laugh every day at work when I was on his crew. He made everyone’s day better. He was a proud southern boy from Florida and man could he cook up some mean Bar-B-Que. He and his wife Judy were scheduled to renew their vows after 60 years of marriage this fall, he liked to joke about that saying, he was going to marry her and make an honest woman out of her. Lonnie loved his family, his friends, his church, loved golf and I would have to say most of all Lonnie loved people. Maybe that was because if you knew Lonnie, you loved Lonnie. I am thankful I knew him and I am better for it. Goodbye till later old friend.
Bill
RYAN RENNER MEMORIAL
To our IBEW Friends and Family:
Ryan Renner’s love for Montana, hunting, and kids will continue through substantial donations to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the National Rifle Association. These donations were made possible by Ryan’s friends and family through their generous offerings to the “Ryan Renner Hunt Forever” Memorial. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has targeted their funds for educational activities for kids in Western Montana to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat, and our hunting heritage. The NRA has targeted their funds for youth training and safety courses to instill firearm safety and introduce shooting sports to the next generation of gun owners.
Thank you all so much for your support and friendship,
Ryan’s mom, Jean and his dad, Jim
RENEW
IBEW 44 RENEW still needs representatives. The Outside Line Construction is represented as is the Great Falls and Helena areas. If you are interested in getting involved, or have questions feel free to contact Shane Bykonen at 406-750-0511.
RENEW Conference in St. Louis, Mo October 16th – 19th, 2019.
MEMBERSHIP & EMPLOYER DEVELOPMENT
On Saturday, August 17th, I went to the Training Center in Helena, and I was able to see firsthand apprentices learning to use hot sticks to secure tie wires to the lines to the insulators. I was shown how to do a top tie, what buttons and spirals are to leave a courtesy tab for the next guy! I was able to learn how to climb, after I was able to get over the adrenaline rush and several trips up the pole, I do have a new appreciation, a new respect for the training and work that Lineman do. I also must admit that I was sore between the shoulder blades for several days after! I do want to thank Tim Newman for taking the time and having the patience to answer my questions and teach me. Thank You.
There is still time to voice your opinion to protect IBEW Apprenticeships. Comment period ends on August 26, 2019. A proposed DOL rule would let employers create their own substandard apprenticeship programs. Right now, the construction industry is exempt, but if we don’t let the DOL know our opinions, they will not stay exempt. Go to the website: www.ibew44.org, Facebook page: www.facebook.com/IBEW44/ or type this link: https://bit.ly/2SyaveF to voice your opinion.
Steward training will be October 16, 2019 in Helena at the Training Center. OSHA-10 will be September 13th and September 20th. The location will be in Helena at the Training Center with the time to be determined. Please contact the Hall if you are interested in attending either of these training sessions if you haven’t already signed up.
Attention all Veteran’s, IBEW 44 is starting a Veteran’s Group. The only qualification is that you are a Veteran. Please contact the Hall either by phone - 406-723-3203, email - ibew@ibew44.org, or just let any of us know that you served!
Sign up for the web page, it takes only a few moments to register for the website (www.ibew44.org), membership is verified and you will have full access to the website. IBEW 44 has social media accounts we have been trying to get more content on Facebook (IBEW Local 44) check it out. Visit the web page to access the rest of the social media accounts and PLEASE feel free to add any pictures, videos, events or anything that you think should be there.
Fraternally,
Dwight Rose
D988003
406-459-3548
dwight@ibew44.org
RETIRED MEMBERS
Local 44 would like to congratulate the following members who have retired from the trade:
Lynn Heggen
Bill Smith
Best wishes for a long and happy retirement!
SEPTEMBER UNIT MEETING
Havre Sept. 03, 2019 6:00 PM Elks Lodge
Lewistown Sept. 04, 2019 5:30 PM NWE Service Center
Billings Sept. 05, 2019 5:30 PM NWE Service Center
Great Falls Sept. 09, 2019 7:00 PM Great Falls Labor Temple
Helena Sept. 16, 2019 5:30 PM Helena Labor Temple
Bozeman Sept. 17, 2019 5:30 PM Bozeman Labor Temple
Missoula Sept. 18, 2019 6:00 PM Missoula Labor Temple
Butte Sept. 26, 2019 5:30 PM Local 44 Office
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