Travel



Traveling as an IBEW Member

Resources for Local 602 members looking for work in other IBEW jurisdictions

Important: This page is a general travel guide. Job calls, book status, referral rules, licensing requirements, re-sign windows, benefits, per diem, and dispatch procedures can change quickly. Always verify directly with Local 602 and the destination Local before traveling, accepting a call, or spending money on fuel, lodging, or relocation.

One of the greatest advantages of being an IBEW member is that your opportunity is not limited to one area. If work slows down in your home Local, that does not mean your opportunities have ended. It means it may be time to look at the work available throughout the IBEW while staying union.

Your membership is more than a card in your wallet. It connects you to a brotherhood and sisterhood of skilled electrical workers across North America who have stood together for better wages, better benefits, safer working conditions, retirement security, and respect for our trade.

You do not have to leave the union to find a paycheck. You do not have to chase non-union work or depend on temporary staffing agencies. Those options may offer short-term employment, but they do not provide the wages, benefits, representation, or solidarity that IBEW members have earned.

Traveler Quick Action

  1. Call Local 602 before leaving. Confirm dues status, contact information, and travel-document needs.
  2. Call the destination Local directly. Confirm how to sign, what book you can sign, required documents, dispatch method, and re-sign rules.
  3. Verify licensing and jobsite requirements. Ask about state licenses, local licenses, OSHA, CPR/First Aid, drug testing, background checks, and job-specific credentials.
  4. Confirm the call before you roll. Verify scale, benefits, schedule, overtime, per diem, reporting location, duration, and whether the call is short or long.
  5. Protect your benefits. Ask about reciprocity and ERTS before working outside your home jurisdiction.
  6. Keep records. Save referrals, pay stubs, dispatch paperwork, benefit statements, and correspondence.

Quick links on this page:
Letter vs. Traveling Card |
Before You Travel |
Signing the Books |
Finding Work |
Local 602 Dispatch |
Benefits & Reciprocity |
Traveler Checklist |
Resources |
Español

Letter of Introduction / Travel Letter vs. Traveling Card

There is an important difference between a Letter of Introduction or Travel Letter and a Traveling Card. They are not the same thing.

Letter of Introduction / Travel Letter

Used for: Traveling to another Local Union to sign the out-of-work list, usually Book 2, while remaining a member of your home Local.

Purpose: Shows the destination Local that you are a member in good standing. Depending on the Local, it may include your classification, dues status, certification date, experience hours, and other information needed to sign the books.

Local 602 note: Local 602 requires members of other Local Unions to upload a current Letter of Introduction from their home Local when signing Local 602’s books.

Traveling Card / Membership Transfer

Used for: Transferring membership from one Local Union to another.

Purpose: A Traveling Card is connected to a formal membership-transfer process. It is separate from traveling for work and signing Book 2.

Important: Do not request a Traveling Card unless you are trying to transfer your membership. If you are traveling for work and staying a member of Local 602, ask about a Letter of Introduction or Travel Letter instead.

Simple rule: Traveling for work and signing another Local’s Book 2 usually requires a Letter of Introduction or Travel Letter. Transferring your membership requires a Traveling Card and acceptance by the receiving Local.

Before requesting a Letter of Introduction or Travel Letter

Be ready to provide:

  • Your full name and IBEW card number
  • Your current classification
  • The Local Union where you plan to sign
  • Any job, project, contractor, or call information you have
  • Your current phone number and email address
  • Any special document requirements given to you by the destination Local

Contact Local 602 directly if you need a Letter of Introduction or Travel Letter before traveling.

Before You Travel

Preparation matters. Do not wait until you are already on the road to find out that a Local requires a license, safety card, in-person sign-in, specific app, current dues receipt, or document from your home Local.

I am a Local 602 member traveling out

  • Call Local 602 before leaving.
  • Confirm your dues are current.
  • Ask whether you need a Letter of Introduction or Travel Letter.
  • Call the destination Local before traveling.
  • Verify sign-in, re-sign, licensing, dispatch, benefits, and job-call rules.

I am a traveler coming into Local 602

  • Review Local 602 dispatch information before signing.
  • Use the online initial sign-in process.
  • Upload a current Letter of Introduction from your home Local.
  • Confirm that Local 602 has received the required documents.
  • Track re-sign dates and dispatch procedures.

Travel checklist

  • Call Local 602 before leaving. Make sure your dues are current and ask for any travel documentation you need.
  • Call the destination Local directly. Ask how to sign the books, what book you are eligible to sign, what documents are required, and how dispatch works.
  • Carry a paid-up dues receipt. Do not leave home without proof that your dues are current.
  • Ask about license requirements. Some calls require a state license, local license, OSHA card, CPR/First Aid, background check, drug test, or job-specific credential.
  • Ask about online systems. Some Locals use a member portal, dispatch app, Union Worx, LaborPower, phone job line, email, fax, or in-person day book.
  • Know the re-sign rules. Re-sign windows are different from Local to Local. Missing re-sign can remove you from the out-of-work list.
  • Understand the call before accepting it. Confirm scale, benefits, schedule, overtime, duration, per diem, reporting location, licensing requirements, and whether the call is short or long.
  • Protect your benefits. Ask about reciprocity and ERTS before working outside your home jurisdiction.

Signing the Books in Other Locals

The referral system can look different from one Local Union to another. Some Locals require in-person sign-in. Some allow online sign-in. Some require a Letter of Introduction or Travel Letter. Some require an original dues receipt. Some require a state license before dispatch. Some allow online bidding, while others use a phone job line, day book, or app.

Never assume another Local follows Local 602’s procedure. Always verify directly with the Local where you plan to travel.

Common book terms

  • Book 1: Generally for members of that Local who meet the Local’s referral requirements.
  • Book 2: Generally for IBEW members traveling from other Locals.
  • Book 3 / Book 4: May apply to other applicants depending on the Local’s referral rules.
  • Re-sign: The process used to keep your name active on an out-of-work list.
  • Short call: A temporary call for a limited period. Rules vary by Local.
  • Long call: A regular call. Rules vary by Local.
  • Turndown / Strike: A refusal or missed referral that may affect your standing on the book, depending on that Local’s rules.

Questions to ask before signing another Local’s books

  • Can I sign online, or do I need to sign in person?
  • What book am I eligible to sign?
  • Do you require a Letter of Introduction or Travel Letter?
  • Do you require a paid-up dues receipt?
  • Do you require a termination slip, separation notice, or reduction-in-force notice?
  • Do you require a state license or local license?
  • Do you require OSHA, CPR/First Aid, drug testing, background check, or other jobsite credentials?
  • How are job calls posted?
  • How do I bid or place my name on a call?
  • What time is dispatch?
  • When and how do I re-sign?
  • Will taking a short call affect my position on the book?
  • What do I need to do if I accept a long call somewhere else?

Member responsibility: Keep track of every book you sign. If you take a long call, notify the appropriate Locals and remove yourself from books as required by their rules. Do not assume another Local knows where you are working.

Finding Work While Staying Union

Use the resources below as starting points. Job calls, book numbers, wages, benefits, per diem, licensing requirements, and referral procedures can change quickly. Always verify open calls directly with the Local Union hall before making travel, housing, or employment decisions.

Recommended order when looking for work

  1. Check official IBEW and Local Union sources first. These are the most reliable sources for official referral rules and current dispatch information.
  2. Use traveler resources for leads. Sites like Where2Bro and GoHereBro can help identify busy areas, but they are not a substitute for calling the hall.
  3. Talk to members with current field knowledge. Member networks can be helpful, but verify everything through the Local Union before traveling.
  4. Confirm the details before you roll. Calls can fill, change, or be canceled. Book numbers and licensing requirements can change quickly.

Do not rely on screenshots, rumors, or old posts. Always call the destination Local directly before spending money on fuel, lodging, or travel.

Traveling Into Local 602

Travelers from other Local Unions who want to sign Local 602’s books should review Local 602 dispatch rules before signing. Local 602’s online book-signing process requires members of other Local Unions to upload a current Letter of Introduction from their home Local. Local 602 members must upload a copy or image of a termination slip.

Local 602 dispatch basics

  • Initial sign-in: New members and travelers may complete the initial sign-in online through Local 602’s Sign the Books page.
  • Required documents: Local 602 members need a termination slip. Members of other Locals need a current Letter of Introduction from their home Local.
  • Dispatch time: Dispatch is at 9:00 a.m. each weekday morning.
  • Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • Re-sign: Re-sign is required between the 10th and 16th of the month to remain on the available-for-work list.
  • Job calls: Calls are posted through the Local 602 member portal or LaborPower app. Members may bid through the portal/app or call the hall during the listed dispatch window.
  • Required documents must be received: Applicants are not added to the books until Local 602 receives the required documents.

Local 602 offices

  • Amarillo Office: 200 S. Fannin St., Amarillo, TX 79106 | Phone: (806) 376-9945 | Fax: (806) 376-9407
  • Lubbock Office: 405 50th St., Lubbock, TX 79404 | Phone: (806) 744-4062
  • Midland Office: 3404 W. Illinois, Suite 207, Midland, TX 79703 | Phone: (806) 376-9945

For travelers coming to Local 602: Review the dispatch rules, submit the required documentation, and contact the hall directly with questions before making the trip.

Protecting Your Benefits When Traveling

When you work outside your home jurisdiction, ask about reciprocity and ERTS. This helps make sure pension and health & welfare contributions are handled according to the applicable agreements and fund rules.

Before accepting a call, ask:

  • Are the benefit funds reciprocal with my home funds?
  • Am I registered in ERTS?
  • Do I need to update my information before taking the call?
  • Who should I contact if my contributions do not appear correctly?
  • Could working under a different agreement affect my health coverage, pension, annuity, or eligibility?

Keep copies of referrals, pay stubs, dispatch paperwork, and benefit statements. When in doubt, call the hall or benefit office before assuming your benefits are being transferred correctly.

Use this checklist before leaving home or accepting a call in another jurisdiction.

Information to verify before traveling

  • Destination Local Union name and phone number
  • Book eligibility
  • Online or in-person sign-in requirements
  • Required Letter of Introduction, Travel Letter, dues receipt, or termination slip
  • License, OSHA, CPR/First Aid, drug test, background check, or jobsite credential requirements
  • Dispatch time and bidding method
  • Re-sign dates and re-sign method
  • Scale, benefits, schedule, overtime, duration, and per diem
  • Reporting location and start date
  • Benefit reciprocity and ERTS status
  • Who to contact if the call changes or if you accept work somewhere else

Resources and Links

Official IBEW resources

IBEW Jobs Board

Official IBEW jobs board for construction job information and project postings.

Open IBEW Jobs Board

IBEW Local Union Directory

Find contact information for Local Unions before you travel.

Open IBEW Local Union Directory

IBEW Map

View IBEW districts, jurisdictional boundaries, and Local Union locations.

Open IBEW Map

IBEW Inside Jurisdictional Maps

View U.S. Inside Construction jurisdictional maps by state.

Open Inside Jurisdictional Maps

IBEW Pension & Reciprocity

Information about pension, reciprocity, and membership-record resources.

Open Pension & Reciprocity

Local 602 resources

Local 602 Dispatch

Available-for-work list procedures, dispatch information, and book-signing guidance.

Open Local 602 Dispatch

Local 602 Dispatch Rules

Review referral, sign-in, re-sign, bidding, and dispatch procedures.

Open Local 602 Dispatch Rules

Sign the Books

Initial online sign-in for Local 602 books. Local members need a termination slip. Travelers need a current Letter of Introduction from their home Local.

Open Sign the Books

Current Openings

View available Local 602 job calls through the Working Systems job board.

Open Current Openings

Local 602 Help / Video Tutorials

Tutorials for signing the books, re-signing, using the LaborPower app, viewing job calls, bidding jobs, updating information, and managing membership tools.

Open Local 602 Help

Contact Local 602

Use Local 602’s contact page for office information and questions.

Open Contact Page

Traveler and member-shared resources

Use traveler resources as leads only. Independent websites and member-shared groups can be helpful, but they are not official dispatch sources. Always verify directly with the Local Union hall.

Where2Bro – Where To Go

Traveler resource with information on various Locals, including contact information, scale, number on books, and work outlook. Use as a lead only and verify directly with the hall.

Open Where2Bro

GoHereBro

Independent traveler-built resource for IBEW job calls, scale rates, book numbers, and work outlooks. Use as a lead only and verify directly with the hall.

Open GoHereBro

I.B.E.W. Travelers Network

Peer discussion group for travelers. Use member-shared information as a lead only, not as an official dispatch source.

Open I.B.E.W. Travelers Network

Stay Union. Use the System. Support Each Other.

Every time an IBEW member chooses to stay union, even when they have to travel, it sends a message. It says we believe in the value of our trade, we believe in standing together, and we believe the strength of this union comes from supporting one another.

Use the system that generations of members built before us. Talk to the hall. Learn how to sign the books. Keep your dues current. Protect your benefits. Verify the rules before traveling. Stay union, support your fellow members, and continue building the future that those before us fought to create.

Recursos para Viajar como Miembro del IBEW

Información para miembros de Local 602 que buscan trabajo en otras jurisdicciones

Importante: Esta página es una guía general. Los llamados de trabajo, reglas de despacho, requisitos de licencia, fechas de re-registro, beneficios, viáticos y procedimientos pueden cambiar rápidamente. Siempre confirme directamente con Local 602 y con el Local de destino antes de viajar.

Una de las mayores ventajas de ser miembro del IBEW es que sus oportunidades no están limitadas a una sola área. Si el trabajo disminuye en su sindicato Local, eso no significa que sus oportunidades se hayan terminado. Significa que puede ser momento de buscar oportunidades en otros Locales del IBEW sin dejar de ser parte de la unión.

Su membresía es más que una credencial. Es una conexión con una hermandad de trabajadores eléctricos capacitados que han luchado por mejores salarios, mejores beneficios, condiciones de trabajo más seguras, seguridad para la jubilación y respeto para nuestro oficio.

No tiene que salir del sindicato para encontrar empleo. No tiene que buscar trabajo en el sector no sindicalizado ni depender de agencias temporales. Esas opciones pueden ofrecer empleo a corto plazo, pero no ofrecen los salarios, beneficios, representación y solidaridad que los miembros del IBEW han ganado.

Comience con el Local. Antes de viajar, comuníquese con IBEW Local 602 para verificar que sus cuotas estén al día, que su información esté actualizada y que tenga los documentos correctos para el Local donde planea registrarse. Los procedimientos de referencia no son iguales en todos los Locales. Siempre confirme directamente con el Local de destino antes de viajar.

Carta de Presentación / Carta de Viaje vs. Traveling Card

Hay una diferencia importante entre una Carta de Presentación o Carta de Viaje y una Traveling Card. No son lo mismo.

Carta de Presentación / Carta de Viaje

Se usa para: Viajar a otro Local para registrarse en la lista de trabajo, normalmente Libro 2, mientras usted sigue siendo miembro de su Local de origen.

Propósito: Demuestra al Local de destino que usted es miembro en buen estado. Dependiendo del Local, puede incluir su clasificación, estado de cuotas, fecha de certificación, horas de experiencia y otra información necesaria para registrarse.

Nota de Local 602: Local 602 requiere que los miembros de otros Locales suban una Carta de Presentación actual de su Local de origen para firmar las listas de Local 602.

Traveling Card / Transferencia de Membresía

Se usa para: Transferir la membresía de un Local a otro.

Propósito: La Traveling Card está relacionada con un proceso formal de transferencia de membresía. Es diferente a viajar por trabajo y firmar el Libro 2.

Importante: No solicite una Traveling Card a menos que esté tratando de transferir su membresía. Si solo está viajando por trabajo y seguirá siendo miembro de Local 602, pregunte por una Carta de Presentación o Carta de Viaje.

Regla sencilla: Viajar por trabajo y firmar el Libro 2 normalmente requiere una Carta de Presentación o Carta de Viaje. Transferir su membresía requiere una Traveling Card y aceptación por parte del Local que recibe la transferencia.

Antes de Viajar

  • Llame a Local 602 antes de salir. Verifique que sus cuotas estén al día y pida cualquier documento que necesite para viajar.
  • Llame directamente al Local de destino. Pregunte cómo registrarse en las listas, qué documentos se requieren, cómo funciona el despacho y en qué libro puede firmar.
  • Lleve comprobante de cuotas al día. No viaje sin prueba de que está en buen estado con su sindicato.
  • Pregunte sobre licencias. Algunos trabajos requieren licencia estatal, licencia local, tarjeta OSHA, CPR/Primeros Auxilios, examen de drogas, verificación de antecedentes u otros requisitos.
  • Pregunte sobre sistemas en línea. Algunos Locales usan portal de miembros, aplicaciones de despacho, Union Worx, LaborPower, línea telefónica, correo electrónico, fax o registro en persona.
  • Conozca las reglas de re-registro. Si no se re-registra a tiempo, puede ser eliminado de la lista de trabajo.
  • Confirme el llamado antes de viajar. Verifique salario, beneficios, horario, tiempo extra, duración, viáticos, ubicación de reporte y requisitos de licencia.
  • Proteja sus beneficios. Pregunte sobre reciprocidad y ERTS antes de trabajar fuera de su jurisdicción local.

Firmar las Listas de Trabajo

El sistema de referencia puede ser diferente en cada Local. Algunos requieren registrarse en persona. Otros permiten registrarse en línea. Algunos requieren Carta de Presentación o Carta de Viaje. Algunos requieren recibo oficial de cuotas. Algunos requieren licencia antes del despacho.

Preguntas que debe hacer al Local de destino

  • ¿Puedo registrarme en línea o debo presentarme en persona?
  • ¿En qué libro puedo registrarme?
  • ¿Necesito Carta de Presentación o Carta de Viaje?
  • ¿Necesito comprobante de cuotas al día?
  • ¿Necesito carta de terminación, separación o reducción de personal?
  • ¿Necesito licencia estatal o local?
  • ¿Qué requisitos de seguridad, OSHA, examen de drogas o antecedentes son comunes?
  • ¿Cómo se publican los llamados de trabajo?
  • ¿Cómo hago una oferta o bid para un trabajo?
  • ¿A qué hora es el despacho?
  • ¿Cuándo y cómo debo re-registrarme?
  • ¿Cómo se manejan beneficios, reciprocidad y ERTS?

Viajar a Local 602

Los viajeros de otros Locales que desean firmar las listas de Local 602 deben revisar las reglas de despacho de Local 602 antes de registrarse. El proceso de Local 602 requiere que los miembros de otros Locales suban una Carta de Presentación actual de su Local de origen. Los miembros de Local 602 deben subir una copia o imagen de su carta de terminación.

  • Registro inicial: Nuevos miembros y viajeros pueden completar el registro inicial en línea.
  • Documentos requeridos: Miembros de Local 602 necesitan carta de terminación. Miembros de otros Locales necesitan Carta de Presentación actual de su Local de origen.
  • Hora de despacho: 9:00 a.m. cada mañana de lunes a viernes.
  • Horario de oficina: 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m., lunes a viernes.
  • Re-registro: Del día 10 al día 16 de cada mes.
  • Llamados de trabajo: Se publican por medio del portal de miembros de Local 602 o la aplicación LaborPower.

Oficinas de Local 602

  • Oficina de Amarillo: 200 S. Fannin St., Amarillo, TX 79106 | Teléfono: (806) 376-9945 | Fax: (806) 376-9407
  • Oficina de Lubbock: 405 50th St., Lubbock, TX 79404 | Teléfono: (806) 744-4062
  • Oficina de Midland: 3404 W. Illinois, Suite 207, Midland, TX 79703 | Teléfono: (806) 376-9945

Recursos

Manténgase Sindicalizado

Cada vez que un miembro del IBEW decide mantenerse dentro del sindicato, incluso cuando tiene que viajar para trabajar, envía un mensaje claro. Demuestra que creemos en el valor de nuestro oficio, que creemos en la solidaridad y que entendemos que la fortaleza de este sindicato depende de apoyarnos unos a otros.

Hable con el Local. Aprenda cómo firmar las listas. Mantenga sus cuotas al día. Proteja sus beneficios. Use las oportunidades que existen dentro del IBEW. Manténgase sindicalizado, apoye a sus compañeros y continúe construyendo el futuro por el que generaciones anteriores lucharon.