FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER

Greetings Local 44 members.  This month I’d like to discuss the power of collective bargaining and unity.  Collective bargaining gives workers a powerful voice, more leverage, and the ability to demand better terms, ensuring our voices are heard.  The principle of collective bargaining is found on a simple yet profound truth: there is immense strength in numbers.  The power of unity is not merely a slogan, but a practical reality that fundamentally shifts the dynamic between employees and employers.  When individuals attempt to negotiate on their own, they often face a significant power imbalance.  An employer, acting as a single entity with resources and legal counsel, can easily dismiss the concerns of an isolated voice.  The individual has little leverage, and the fear of replacement often silences legitimate grievances.  However, the union also has access to the same resources and legal counsel.  When employees stand together in unity, that dynamic is transformed into a more equal process.  A collective group cannot be as easily ignored or dismissed.  In a unified front, the concerns of one become the concerns of all, amplifying every individual voice into a powerful ensemble.  Solidarity creates mutual support, diminishing fear and strengthening resolve.  The true power of unity is realized at the bargaining table.  The union, through elected and appointed representatives, speaks with one accord, backed by the collective commitment of the membership.  This unified approach provides leverage that individuals lack, compelling the employer to engage in good-faith negotiations.  Issues that were once ignored are brought to the forefront and addressed, leading to better outcomes for all involved.  Ultimately, unity in bargaining is the key to a fair and equitable workplace.  It ensures that the value of every member is recognized and that their voices are heard.  By standing together, our members secure better wages, benefits, and safer working conditions, creating a more just environment for everyone.  Standing together as one collective group is truly the strength and power our membership has at the bargaining table.

In Unity,

Scott Klungland

FROM THE ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER

Happy Holidays to everyone and their families, hope all are well and healthy. We have been very busy with negotiations going on with a few of our respected C.B.A.s coming to term. And preparing for our upcoming negotiations with NorthWestern Energy on the horizon.

The one main item that has come to our attention is that there are two Contractors in the state that have decided that issuing rubber gloves to cold step apprentices is not necessary. Yep, you heard that correctly and to add to that statement they also believe that anyone working on a transmission job does not need to be issued rubber gloves as well. So, with that being said if you are one that thinks this is O.K. then you should probably take your phone out and do a quick search on the web, O.S.H.A. requires rubber insulated gloves to be issued. I mean we could sit around have a ridiculous conversation about “you don’t rubber glove transmission” or “a cold step isn’t in the air”, but I honestly do not have enough time to talk to a dumb ass that would have that rebuttal. Fact is everyone on a line crew should be issued a pair of rubber gloves. We have no way of knowing what we may get into today. We may need a person on our crew to help out with holding the butt of a pole while setting it, yeah I’ve seen that done before. NorthWestern Energy has a lock-to-lock policy, so I guess these companies must tell their employees that do not have rubber gloves to just sit in the truck all day if they have an underground job to do. Or what if a storm hits and they are called out? They must just sit around and play cribbage while the few guys that have the proper P.P.E. do all the work. If you are wondering what companies have this belief and complete disregard of safety, please give me a call and I will gladly let you know.

Happy Holidays!

Your Brother,

Boe Shuman

406-533-8170

CHALLENGE COIN FOR IBEW’S VETERAN MEMBERS

Recently published in the November issue of The Electrical Worker journal was an article titled “Challenge Coin Honors the Power of IBEW’s Veteran Members.”  From that article, IBEW members who share the bond of military service can now stand up to be counted — and honored.  A new challenge coin shaped like a dog tag features the U.S. flag on one side and Canada’s Maple Leaf on the other while the IBEW logo is on both sides.  All IBEW members who have served in either military can have a coin sent to them free of charge by visiting ibew.org, tapping the “Affinity Groups” tab under “About the IBEW” and clicking on “Veterans Committees.”  Then scroll to find the “Claim Yours Today” button and fill in your information.  You also will receive a letter of thanks for your service from the International President.

TOYS FOR TOTS

Once again this year Local 44 is collecting donations for Toys for Tots.  If you are able to participate, you can drop off new unwrapped toys or a cash donation at the Butte office.  Scott and Boe would also be glad to collect any donations at our upcoming Unit Meetings if you prefer.  Hopefully we can make this holiday season brighter for those who could use a little extra help.    

UNIT 104 CHRISTMAS PARTY

Unit 104 will be having their annual Christmas Party on Saturday, December 6^th in Great Falls.  The party will start at Noon at the Labor Temple located at 1108 7^th Street South.  Hope to see you all there.

JOURNEYMAN UPGRADES

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

Robin Bagley – Journeyman Lineman

Austin Crabtree – Journeyman Lineman

Tanner Fisk – Journeyman Lineman

Seth Popp – Journeyman Lineman

Justin Wilfong – Journeyman Lineman

Great job and best wishes for a great career!

RETIRED MEMBERS

Local 44 would like to congratulate the following member who has retired from the trade:

Troy Ferguson

Best wishes for a long and happy retirement!

DECEMBER UNIT MEETING

Havre                          Dec. 02, 2025              6:00 PM          Elks Lodge     

Lewistown                  Dec. 03, 2025              5:45 PM          NWE Service Center

            Billings                        Dec. 04, 2025              4:30 PM          NWE Service Center

Great Falls                   Dec. 08, 2025              6:00 PM          Great Falls Labor Temple

Helena                         Dec. 15, 2025              5:00 PM          Helena Labor Temple

Bozeman                     Dec. 16, 2025              5:30 PM          Bozeman Labor Temple

Missoula                      Dec. 17, 2025              6:00 PM          Missoula Labor Temple

Butte                           Dec, 18, 2025              5:45 PM          Local 44 Office