Navigating union dispatch isn't just about waiting for a phone call or refreshing a web portal; it's about understanding the specific mechanics of how local halls fill contractor requests. If you're an electrician looking at work in the Pikes Peak region, cracking the system used by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers requires knowing exact registration protocols, classification tiers, and book systems.
Understanding how IBEW 113 job calls operate helps journeymen and apprentices secure work faster, avoid dispatch penalties, and maintain good standing with the union hall. Whether you're a hands-on wireman relocating to Colorado Springs or an apprentice trying to figure out how short calls affect your position on the out-of-work list, mastering these rules keeps your paycheck steady.
The IBEW 113 Dispatch Structure
At its core, union dispatch exists to distribute available work fairly among members while supplying contractors with qualified labor on demand. For IBEW Local 113, which covers Colorado Springs and surrounding areas, job calls are posted through the member portal and physical dispatch channels.
Contractors submit requisitions specifying the classification required—such as Inside Wireman, Residential Wireman, or Construction Wireperson (CW)—along with specific certifications like OSHA 10, CPR, or state licenses. When these calls hit the hall, they're processed according to strict referral procedures outlined in the local's working agreement. For another angle on this story, see the recent coverage from Reuters.
Books and Sign-In Mechanics
The out-of-work list is divided into distinct "books" that prioritize members based on experience, local residency, and classification.
- Book 1: Reserved for local journeymen who have completed an approved apprenticeship or worked under Local 113's collective bargaining agreement for a designated period.
- Book 2: Open to travelers from other IBEW locals who hold valid tickets in the same classification and possess proper state electrical licensing reciprocity or requirements.
- Book 3 and 4: Typically reserved for lower classifications, unclassified workers, or construction wiremen depending on local agreement terms.
When you sign the out-of-work book, you lock in your timestamp. Skipping a call or turning down work without a valid, excused reason—such as illness or bereavement—can drop you to the bottom of the list or require you to re-register entirely.
Types of Job Calls You Will Encounter
Not all dispatches are created equal. Contractors request workers for different durations and project types, and knowing what you're bidding on prevents unexpected surprises on day one of a new site.
Regular Calls vs. Short Calls
Standard calls are open-ended or long-term project assignments that can last anywhere from a few months to several years depending on commercial or industrial build-outs. Short calls, on the other hand, are designed for brief maintenance outages, emergency repairs, or short-term contractor peaks.
In many local jurisdictions, accepting a short call under a specific threshold (such as under two weeks) allows you to return to your original position on the out-of-work book once the job wraps up. Always check Local 113's specific bylaws regarding short-call protections so you don't accidentally lose your spot on Book 1.
Specialized Certifications Required
Modern job calls frequently demand more than a basic journeyman ticket. Contractors often list mandatory add-ons in their requisitions:
- NFPA 70E: Current safety and arc-flash training certification.
- Rigging and Signaling: Essential for commercial high-rise or industrial plant work.
- Substation or Instrumentation Training: Specialized skills for utility and heavy industrial environments.
If you don't have these endorsements listed on your profile at the hall, you'll have to pass on the call until another member with the proper credentials takes it.
Common Mistakes Members Make With Dispatch
Even seasoned hands occasionally make missteps that cost them work opportunities or create friction with the dispatch office.
Failing to keep contact information updated in the portal is a frequent error. If the hall calls to offer an immediate emergency dispatch and your phone number is out of date, they immediately move to the next member on the list.
Another common pitfall is taking a call outside your skill comfort zone. If you accept an industrial instrumentation call without the practical experience to back it up, you risk a quick layoff for cause, which can trigger mandatory review periods with the union hall before you're permitted to sign the books again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign the out-of-work book for IBEW 113?
You can typically sign the book online through the member portal or in person at the Colorado Springs union hall located at 2150 Naegele Rd. Ensure your dues are current and your mailing address and phone number are accurate before attempting to register.
Can travelers from other locals take Book 1 calls?
No. Book 1 is strictly protected for local members who have established residency and work history within Local 113's jurisdiction. Travelers sign Book 2 and are dispatched only after local book requirements are satisfied.
What happens if I miss a job call?
If you miss a call during regular dispatch hours, you won't necessarily lose your place unless you were present and passed on an eligible dispatch. However, if you are unreachable when dispatch attempts direct contact for a mandatory or emergency call, your name may be skipped or moved down depending on local rules.
Are apprenticeship calls handled the same way as journeyman calls?
No. Apprentices are assigned to contractors directly through the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) office rather than pulling from the general out-of-work books. Your contractor rotation is managed to ensure you receive well-rounded on-the-job training across different facets of the trade.
