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FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER
As I sit here and write my monthly article, my mind is consumed with numerous upcoming negotiations for 2026. We have an extremely busy schedule this year and so knowing that I recently wrote about the Collective Bargaining process, it reminded me that I should once again bring up the topic for further discussion. Bargaining an agreement involves many variables and one of the most important characteristics involves the active participation of the membership. Our true strength at the negotiating table lies with the participation of members. Collective Bargaining is not a spectator sport. We need our members’ engagement throughout the process. This all starts by identifying real needs. The negotiating process begins long before the first session with management. Preparation and prioritization are key and that is achieved through members identifying issues, inequities and past contract experiences. Membership engagement helps the bargaining committee understand “must haves” versus the “nice-to-haves.” It is crucial to know this information so that the committee ensures focus remains on the membership’s highest priorities. The committee can send a clear unified message to management if they have the pulse of membership. A high level of active participation creates transparency and trust. Your committee needs feedback and your solidarity. We don’t always achieve exactly what we set out to accomplish but with member participation, we hold a greater chance of meeting expectations. Success starts with proper preparation, communication, and unity throughout the bargaining process. Then, the climax of the negotiating process is the ratification vote. The proposed contract is only as strong as the membership’s willingness to support it. I encourage you to listen carefully to your committee representatives’ explanations and recommendations as they are the ones who understand the nuances of the deal. The bottom line is that your committee needs and wants active participation. I hope every member who has a contract up for negotiation this year chooses to be a participant in the process.
In Unity,
Scott Klungland
FROM THE ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER
Hope all is well and everyone is settling into the new year. Jim Leding and I met with Fairmont Hot Springs recently to lock in our time and dates for this year’s annual Stan I. Dupree memorial golf tournament. So please save the date in your calendars for Saturday August 15th 2026. The schedule will remain the same as last year, with a shotgun start at 9am and then a luncheon immediately following in the resort banquet room. We have blocked off a group of rooms again this year at a reduced resort rate. The rooms are listed under I.B.E.W. Local 44. Please call and reserve your room sooner than later, the deadline for the blocked rooms is July 12, 2026. The last few years have turned into quite an event with members bringing their families to enjoy the resort and participate in a fun day of golf and visiting with each other. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there.
We are preparing for a long run of negotiations this year with numerous contracts coming due in 2026. With that being said, this is a great time to bring up the importance of voting. As we approach each negotiation there comes the time to bring the negotiated items to you, the member, to vote on. Everyone should understand that it is your obligation to vote, and it is acceptable to vote “no” if you feel that way. But not voting at all and then being upset with the outcome is somewhat the definition of insanity. Your negotiating team works hard to come to an agreement with the other side, and they will never bring something to you unless they feel it is vote worthy. That does not mean the process is done, it is just part of the process. We must vote to show our strength in numbers and solidarity, that is how we can achieve our goals!
Your Brother,
Boe Shuman
406-533-8170
MEMBERSHIP CARDS
At the beginning of each year the Hall sends out membership cards to the “BA” members who are on monthly dues deduct from their employer. These cards will also be sent out for all NorthWestern Energy & Hill County Electric “A” members. You may request a copy of your dues receipt at any time by calling or emailing the Hall.
These cards are printed directly from the dues program, so make sure to contact the Hall if there is a mistake with your card. Also, many cards get returned every year for being mailed to a bad address, so call (406) 723-3203 or email us at ibew@ibew44.org to update your address if you have moved. You can also update your information on our website, www.ibew44.org.
JOURNEYMAN UPGRADES
Local 44 would like to congratulate the following members for achieving Journeyman status:
Tate Jones – Journeyman Lineman
William Muir – 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:
Ross Hasler
Best wishes for a long and happy retirement!
IN MEMORIAM
Local 44 mourns the loss of the following retired members:
Fred Raunig, Jr. – Journeyman Lineman – passed away 12/24/25
Robert Parker – Journeyman Lineman – passed away 01/10/26
Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of these Brothers.
LOCAL 44 TRAVELING MEMBERS
If you are a Local 44 member and your Home Funds in ERTS is 8th District Pension (DB) & 8th District Annuity (DC) you should contact the Hall if you are traveling out of the jurisdiction to work.
If you are not vested in the 8th District Pension Fund, we highly recommend for you to participate in the DC (Defined Contributions) to DB (Defined Benefits) program. When you work in Annuity only Locals (example: California) and you reciprocate your funds, everything will go to your annuity account (DC), but nothing goes into your pension account (DB), which means you might not get vested in your pension fund unless you sign the Authorization & Release Form and return it to Local 44. It takes five (5) years of contributions to vest.
If you are already vested it will continue to add a portion of your benefit to your pension fund. Currently at retirement time you may draw a full pension at the age of 62 when you have 30 vesting credits. If you do not have 30 vesting credits at that time you would receive a 9% reduction (i.e. 3% per year reduction for ages 62 to 65). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Hall.
FEBRUARY UNIT MEETING
Great Falls Feb. 02, 2026 6:00 PM Great Falls Labor Temple
Havre Feb. 03, 2026 6:00 PM Elks Lodge
Lewistown Feb. 04, 2026 5:45 PM NWE Service Center
Billings Feb. 05, 2026 4:30 PM NWE Service Center
Helena Feb. 16, 2026 5:00 PM Helena Labor Temple
Bozeman Feb. 17, 2026 6:00 PM Bozeman Labor Temple
Missoula Feb. 18, 2026 6:00 PM Missoula Labor Temple
Butte Feb. 19, 2026 5:45 PM Local 44 Office
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