Common question · October 28, 2026
When IBEW electricians are out of work, they sign the local's out-of-work list. The list is split into groups, and locals call each group a "book." Book 1 is Group I and Book 2 is Group II. In the 2015 agreement for IBEW Local 527 in Galveston, Group I is for applicants with four or more years in the trade who live in the local's area and meet its other rules. Group II is for applicants with four or more years in the trade who passed a journeyman exam, with no rule about where they live. Jobs go to Group I first, in list order, then Group II, then Groups III and IV. Each local's rules can differ, so ask your local for its current referral rules.
Answered by SkillsTradeJobs team · October 28, 2026
Questions? Just text us
Text your trade and city to 424-5TR-ADES (424-587-2337). English or Spanish.
Text 424-587-2337 to ask the SkillsTradeJobs assistant about trade jobs, training, pay and licenses. Replies come from an AI assistant, only when you text us. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. SMS terms.