Overtime
How the steward runs the overtime is his
business. If you don't like it, ask him about it. If you
don't like his answer, live with it or leave. Overtime and
how it is distributed is always a "hot" topic. Most
savvy stewards have an "overtime" list. The worker with
the least overtime hours gets the overtime, but not
always.
When you
leave
Shake the hand of the Business Manager or
Representative. Let them know you appreciate the work and maybe
your Home Local can help them out someday. Check with the
secretaries to make sure you are paid up on dues. Also check on
any vacation or other funds that are held so you know how to get
them out. Your Home Local will be known on how you worked and
how you left. If you don't like the BA or the Local,
just leave. By starting trouble, you just make it harder for the
next traveler. Let the Local members clean up the Local or job,
not you.
Taxes and the
IRS
Document all expenses with receipts and keep
them in order. "Dome" publications have some very good
travel diaries and recordkeeping books at most office supply
stores. This is a must to please the IRS. There are many good
brother who don't pay taxes and never have. The only
trouble is that some day you may want to settle down and then the
IRS will catch up. My advise is to do everything legal.
Skill upgrade
classes
Every Local should welcome travelers to
attend their skills upgrade and journeyman classes. Don't
feel that since you are a traveler that they don't want you
to participate. Most Locals feel that we need the best-trained
workforce to compete in today's marketplace. Please take
advantage of these fine programs.
Attend Union
meetings as a guest
It is a member's responsibility to know
when the Union meetings are. As a member you have the right to
attend meetings and most Locals welcome you if you behave
yourself. Some Locals will close off part of the meeting due to
finances being discussed, respect their rules. DO NOT GO WITH AN
ATTITUDE! If you have a problem, take it up with the steward or
Business Agent. If you start trouble in a meeting, you probably
will be on the first layoff where you are working. Remember that you have no vote or voice in another Local's meeting. The best thing
is to thank the Union under "Good of the Order(Union) for
the work.
Double Booking
Even though there is no language in the Constitution about it, the worst thing you can do as a traveler is "Double Book". What this means is working while you are on the out-of-work list in other Locals except your own. Most Locals will allow you to keep your name on your home list and no other, but some do not like that either. Remember to take your name off any books you may have signed when you take a long call. By double-booking, you can take a job away from a brother or sister who is out of work and in need.