How The Referral System Works
Referral Policies & Procedures
All bids must be submitted through the website. No exceptions. If you have questions, contact the Referral Office at 419-666-8920.
Short Calls vs. Regular Calls
Short calls are temporary assignments with rules that differ from regular calls.
| Rule | Short Calls | Regular Calls |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Minimum 1 day, maximum 14 calendar days | No set maximum |
| Fill priority | Filled before regular calls | Filled after short calls |
| Roll-through rate | Maximum 20 people per day | Standard book order |
| While working it | Not eligible to accept a regular call | — |
| Nicks | No nicks — accept the call offered or wait for the next pass | Standard nick rules apply |
| After completion | Return your signed pinky within one business day or lose your book position | — |
Policies & Procedures
ERP Determination
ERP is suspended for Book 1 when calls are not filled in Book 1 on any day that week.
ERP is suspended for Book 2 when calls are not filled in Book 2 on any day that week.
Drug & Alcohol Testing
All members must meet drug and alcohol testing requirements. Unless there is an on-site drug test for the specific job call you are taking, you must be compliant with Reliable Drug Testing.
Bidding
All bids must be submitted through the website. No exceptions.
Short Calls — Full Rules
Short calls last a minimum of one day and a maximum of 14 calendar days.
Short calls roll through the book at a maximum of 20 people per day.
Short calls are filled before regular calls.
While working a short call, you are not eligible to accept a regular call.
Any member terminated for cause or who quits a short call signs the back of the book.
There are no nicks for short calls — accept the call offered or wait until the dispatcher works through the book again.
Completing or declining a short call does not erase existing nicks from your book position.
Return your signed pinky to the Referral Office within one business day of completion, or you lose your book position and must re-register in person.
Inactive Status Due to Medical Condition
Members on the book who are unable to work due to a medical condition may be placed on medically inactive status. To do so, provide written documentation from a licensed physician to the Referral Office. You may return to active status once you have been fully released by a licensed physician.
Re-Signs in Other Locals’ Jurisdictions
Local 8 members who have signed on an out-of-town book that offers fax re-signs can have Local 8 handle their re-registration remotely. Contact the Referral Office no later than 10 a.m. on the morning of re-signs and provide your registration information. To remain on the re-sign list, contact the Referral Office each month and request that they re-sign you on those books.
Vacations
Give the Referral Office a minimum of 10 days notice before your vacation begins.
Vacations may be ended early with one week’s notice to the Referral Office.
Members retain their page and line number for the duration of an approved vacation.
Members on vacation are not eligible for short calls.
Vacations may be taken for up to two weeks (14 calendar days) once per calendar year.
Requirements To Sign Book 3 or Book 4
Effective 4/28/2026 all work experience proof must be
verified to be eligible to sign the out of work list for group 3
and group 4.
Acceptable proof of one of the following:
W-2 from former or current employers accompanied with
letter on company letterhead, stating work performed while
employed and hourly pay.
Or – State or Municipal Electrical Licenses with verifiable status.
Or – Verified hours completed in appropriate registered
apprenticeship program or trade school.
You must bring printed copies of documentation to the Referral Office.
LOCAL 8 WILL NEED TO VERIFY ALL PROVIDED DOCUMENTS IN REASONABLE TIME
BEFORE YOU CAN BE PLACED ON APPROPIATE GROUP LIST.