The term denotes the system by which the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 428 dispatches its members to available employment opportunities within its jurisdiction. This process typically involves union members signing an out-of-work list and being contacted in order of their placement on that list when jobs that match their skills and qualifications become available. The arrangement ensures a fair and organized method for connecting qualified electrical workers with contractors in need of their services.
The structure of job dispatch holds significance for both union members and employing contractors. For members, it provides a transparent and equitable path to securing work, minimizing the potential for favoritism or bias. It offers a degree of job security by ensuring access to employment opportunities based on established criteria. For contractors, it serves as a reliable source for finding skilled and qualified electricians, ensuring projects are staffed by competent personnel. The historical context of this arrangement is rooted in the IBEW’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of its members through collective bargaining and standardized employment practices.