Outside Construction Orientation

Local 66 represents outside and utility electrical workers across a broad Texas jurisdiction. Outside construction includes work on overhead and underground transmission and distribution systems, substations, switchyards, street lighting, traffic signals, related structures, equipment, and other work assigned under the applicable agreement. The exact agreement, appendage, classification, jurisdiction, and employer determine the controlling terms for each job.

Understanding the outside construction unit

Outside construction is distinct from inside construction and from employer-specific utility bargaining units. Do not assume that inside-construction referral books, tools, schedules, benefit plans, or work rules apply to an outside call.

Outside classifications may include Journeyman Linemen, apprentices, Construction Linemen, Groundmen, cable splicers, equipment operators, truck drivers, substation or transmission technicians, traffic-signal classifications, and other classifications established by the current agreement or appendage. Eligibility depends on the classification, documented experience, examinations or certifications, apprenticeship status, and the applicable referral group.

Governing documents and union representation

• The IBEW Constitution and Local 66 bylaws govern membership, good standing, internal procedures, member conduct, and Local Union structure.
• The applicable agreement, appendage, and referral procedure govern covered work, classifications, dispatch, hours, compensation, benefits, travel terms, tools, safety obligations, and dispute procedures.
• The Business Manager supervises job referral and distribution under Local rules and the applicable agreement.
• Stewards work under the Business Manager’s direction, monitor agreement compliance, and report jobsite concerns. They do not independently stop work.
• Members should request union representation when an investigatory interview could reasonably lead to discipline.

Review the NLRB’s Weingarten Rights guidance.

Referral, dispatch, and reporting

• Register only in the classification and highest referral group for which you qualify under the current referral procedure.
• Provide accurate documentation of experience, examinations, certifications, licenses, apprenticeship status, and other required qualifications.
• Keep your availability, contact information, CDL status, endorsements, certifications, and qualification records current.
• Follow the current sign-in, re-sign, dispatch, response, and reporting instructions issued by Local 66. Administrative procedures may change.
• A job call may specify the employer, agreement or appendage, classification, reporting point, schedule, duration, testing, credentials, equipment, or special qualifications.
• Apprentices follow the assignment, classroom, testing, and reporting requirements of the applicable outside apprenticeship and training program.

Use the Local 66 Jobs page and the authorized Working Systems job-call portal for current job and dispatch information. Official Local 66 instructions control over screenshots, reposts, social-media messages, or third-party job listings.

Traveling members and good standing

Members working outside their home jurisdiction should contact both the home Local and the receiving Local before traveling. A Letter of Introduction or other proof of good standing may be required. A Traveling Card begins a formal transfer process and does not guarantee acceptance by the receiving Local.

• Carry a current paid-up dues receipt or valid working card and government-issued identification.
• Confirm the receiving Local’s registration method, referral book, re-sign requirements, and required documentation.
• Verify the applicable agreement, classification, scale, benefits, schedule, reporting location, expected duration, and licensing or credential requirements before accepting a call.
• Review benefit-fund participation, reciprocity, and ERTS requirements rather than assuming contributions will automatically return to a home fund.

See the Local 66 Travel Guide for additional traveler, storm, and emergency-work guidance.

Qualifications, training, and progression

• Maintain the CDL, endorsements, operator qualifications, licenses, OSHA training, first-aid/CPR, flagger credentials, testing status, and project or utility credentials required for the call.
• Classification upgrades may require documented hours, examinations, training modules, Local or apprenticeship review, and successful completion of established requirements.
• Do not perform work beyond your classification, training, qualification, or supervision limits.
• Apprentices and trainees must follow the approved program’s classroom, on-the-job training, evaluation, and assignment rules.

Safety, tools, and jobsite expectations

• Follow all applicable energized-work rules, minimum-approach distances, grounding, switching, lockout/tagout, fall protection, traffic control, excavation, rigging, equipment, rescue, and site-specific procedures.
• Use required PPE and inspect tools, vehicles, and equipment before use. Report defects and unsafe conditions promptly.
• Confirm the employee tool list and the employer’s responsibility for specialty tools, equipment, PPE, transportation, and storage under the controlling agreement.
• Report fit for duty and prepared for the assignment. Follow lawful and safe instructions and the established chain of communication.
• Stop and report work presenting an immediate safety hazard through the appropriate foreman, steward, employer, and Local channels.

The IBEW Code of Excellence emphasizes safety, craftsmanship, productivity, accountability, and respectful conduct.

Schedules, travel time, storm, and emergency work

Schedules, overtime, call-out rules, travel time, transportation, lodging, subsistence, reporting pay, and emergency-restoration terms vary by agreement, appendage, employer, project, and call. Some utility or specialty appendages contain provisions that do not apply universally to all Local 66 outside work.

Before accepting storm, emergency, remote, or irregular-schedule work, confirm the employer, Local, agreement, classification, reporting point, start time, expected duration, transportation, lodging, meals, return travel, required credentials, benefit contributions, and compensation rules directly with the dispatching Local.

Benefits and retirement overview

Member responsibilities and getting help

Maintain good standing, keep dues and assessments current, update your address and contact information, carry proof of membership when required, protect jurisdiction, and promptly report suspected agreement violations or jobsite concerns. Use the steward, Business Manager, and grievance process rather than attempting to resolve contractual disputes through work stoppages or social media.