ARE YOU REGISTERED ON ERTS?  Prior to working in the jurisdiction of another Local Union by either taking a dispatch or being sent by your employer: 1) you must register on the Electronic Reciprocal Transfer System (ERTS) and 2) check in with that Local’s Business Office and let them know you are registered on ERTS.  ERTS will ensure that your pension and health care benefits are transferred according to your wishes.  Failure to do so will result in your benefits being left in the Local Union where you work.  The process takes less than 10 minutes.  The ERTS system has replaced the old paper reciprocal forms and replaced it with a one time (lifetime) registration.

REMEMBER YOU ARE WORKING UNDER THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT OF THE JURISDICTION THAT YOU ARE WORKING IN.  You are accumulating wages, pension, and health and welfare funds per hour under that agreement. For example, if the health and welfare rate in the jurisdiction you are working pays a lower amount per hour into health and welfare, your eligibility will not be the same as when you are working at home. You need to confirm your eligibility with Harrison. If you are working in a jurisdiction that does not have a defined contribution pension, (like our) 9th District Pension, you will not be receiving contributions.   The same applies for a defined benefit pension (like our) Edison.

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR HOURS SINCE THE RECIPROCITY PROCESS TAKES TWO MONTHS.  Even when you are working in Local 48, the benefits reported from your employer are not due until the 15th of the month after you work. You could check in with the administrators after the second month to confirm contributions have been made on your behalf, but this is not required.  You should receive statements from the administrators throughout the year.

If you have questions please contact Debbie (503) 256-4848 Ext. 222 or debbie@ibew48.com, or feel free to come into the business office and get registered on ERTS.