Rules of the Road
A guide for first-time traveling brothers and sisters. Know the customs, respect the local, and hit the road right.
Calling the Hall
Before you travel, call the local's hall during business hours. Have your ticket (travel letter), dues receipt, and ID ready to reference. Ask about current work, wait time, and whether they are taking travelers. Be polite and concise — you are a guest. If you get voicemail, leave your name, local, and callback number; don't flood the line.
Some locals post job calls online or use a referral line. Check the local's website or ask when you call how they prefer to be contacted and when referral calls are held.
Checking In Properly
When you arrive, go to the hall in person to sign the book and get on the out-of-work list. Bring your travel letter (ticket), a current paid-up dues receipt, and government-issued ID. Some locals also require your JW license or other credentials. Fill out any paperwork completely and honestly. Get a copy of the local's bylaws or referral rules if they offer them — knowing the rules protects you and shows respect.
Don't assume you can take a call over the phone without signing the book first unless the local explicitly allows it. When in doubt, show up and sign the book.
Book 1 vs Book 2
Know which book you are on and how the local runs their referral. Calls are typically filled from Book 1 first; when Book 1 is exhausted or the agreement allows, contractors can hire from Book 2. Don't expect to jump ahead of Book 1 members — that's their local and their work.
Members of that local — brothers and sisters who hold their ticket there. They get priority for all job calls.
Travelers — members of other locals. You sign Book 2 when traveling. Called after Book 1 is exhausted.
Some areas have Book 3 or other categories — ask at the hall so you understand the full order of referral.
Respecting Local Members
You are a guest in their local. The work in that jurisdiction belongs to them first. Be humble, be helpful, and don't complain about how "we do it back home." If their procedures or job conditions differ from your home local, follow theirs.
Don't take supervision or foreman positions over Book 1 members unless no one from Book 1 is available and the local allows it. Treat the hall staff, BA, and members with courtesy — they are your brothers and sisters and they are sharing their work with you.
Following Local Procedures
Every local has its own referral rules, meeting times, and customs. Some have specific check-in times, referral call times, or requirements (e.g., RIF, drug testing, certifications). Learn and follow them. If you're not sure, ask.
Showing up late, skipping steps, or ignoring local rules can get you in trouble and reflects poorly on all travelers. When you take a call, show up on time, follow the job rules, and give the contractor a full day's work — 8 for 8.
General Traveling Etiquette
Keep your ticket and dues receipt current and on you.
Don't double-book — only sign one local's book at a time for the same classification unless the locals have a clear reciprocal arrangement.
Don't accept furloughs or transfers on specific job calls if your home local or the tramp card says not to.
Help older or less mobile brothers and sisters on the job when you can.
Stay out of local politics — you're there to work, not to take sides in internal matters.
If you have a problem, go through the proper channel (steward, BA) instead of causing a scene.
Leave the job and the local better than you found them. You represent the IBEW everywhere you go.