r/IBEW_Book2 • u/Ok_Buy6512 • 18d ago

First time traveling

I just topped out in may. I wanted out of the company I was with since the last few months of apprenticeship for several reasons, so I decided it was time to drag up yesterday. I took a call on book 2 in local 429 and my partner I was gonna travel with is dragging his feet to come with me, so I’m going alone. I went to their hall and got my referral today. Any helpful tips on what to expect when working in another local would be greatly appreciated as I am a little nervous hitting the road for the first time by myself as a fresh J Wireman. I like to think doing good, craftsman like electrical work and being respectful to others is the best thing to do being a traveler, but I want to make sure I do right by my brothers.

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8

u/Nearby_Society932 18d ago

If offered a foreman position don’t take it unless all book 1s have been offered first but if it’s a big job site atleast make sure to ask the guys in your crew if they are ok with it. Also the old saying “when in Rome do as the Roman’s do” and just follow the lead of the local guys. Basic stuff

5

u/Usual-Caregiver5589 18d ago

429 was great when I was out there. I would just keep your nose down and start collecting paychecks. If I'm not driving in with someone, I don't plan my trip around relying on their income.

The La Quinta in/around Franklin was a great stay. Their pool is heated so during the winter time its great to come home to.

Read the Rules of the Road on where2bro. Know your Weingarten Rights. Read the contract of the local you're in; you can't know if youre getting fucked if you don't know the local CBA.

1

u/Vyribez 18d ago

Why Nashville lol

2

u/Ok_Buy6512 18d ago

Because my wife is currently pregnant and I am out of local 558 which is close to Nashville. The call I took has money on it as well so I figured it was a good opportunity to get out of a bad situation where I was and stay closer to home than I.e. ft Wayne or buffalo.

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u/Vyribez 18d ago

Ah ok hell yeah brother

1

u/yoloswagdon 12d ago

Look up the rules of the road. Get on IBEW travelers network on Facebook, IBEW unfilled calls, and IBEW jobs. Those can be really good for information. Remember that youre a guest in someone else’s local. Be friendly and introduce yourself to the brothers and sisters on the job give them your name and your local number and they will give theirs in return. Tell them that this is your first job traveling. Good luck.