Sign up for the lastest information from the IBEW!

"It" is the IBEWs recently unveiled Electronic Reciprocal Transfer System, ERTS for short. As reported in the May issue of the IBEW Journal ("Automated Reciprocity System Makes Debut" ), ERTS is now being used by pension and health and welfare funds at many IBEW construction locals. ERTS is a private, secure web-based network, which will be used by temporary employees (travelers) to register for reciprocity of benefits when working outside of their home local. ERTS is a step forward for the IBEWs reciprocity system, designed to save time, paperwork, and hassles for members and fund administrators alike.

ERTS is a major new benefit to traveling members, but it will only work well if members sign up for the system correctly.

Below is a step-by-step process for traveling members to follow to register for ERTS and reap the full benefits of the system.

Step 1. Go to a participating local union hall, preferably your home local. The initial registration must be done in person. Proof of identity is required. The selections of home funds remain subject to home fund approval under the same criteria as the current paper reciprocal system. Thats why registration at your home local or fund office is the best bet; travelers can confirm home fund acceptance before leaving the jurisdiction for work.

Step 2. During the in-person registration process, you will go on-line, assisted by staff at the local union or fund office.

Log onto the IBEW web site and click on the ERTS logo which will bring up the main login page as shown in figure 1. Note that at initial registration only, the assisting local union or fund office must provide the user ID and password where required. After this in-person registration, travelers will receive a user ID and password by mail from the reciprocal fund administrator. The user ID and password will be mailed to the address you provide at initial registration. After entering the user ID and password click on "go" to continue.

Step 3. Figure 2 (participant main page) will now be visible. Click on the activity you want to do. For initial registration at the local union click on registration and figure 3 will appear. Please note there are required fields that must be completed. Many of the required fields have drop-down menus and are accessed by clicking on the down arrows associated with the fund selections. All of the choices listed under Home Defined Benefit (DB) Pension Funds, Home Defined Contribution (DC) Funds and Home Health and Welfare Funds must be accessed through the drop-down menu. As you select each fund, the screen will refresh and allow you to choose from the funds associated with that specific local union. Select from the menus provided and click on the appropriate home fund you will be using. When all information has been provided and your funds have been selected, click on the "proceed" button.

Step 4. The registration page will again be displayed as shown in figure 3. Review and confirm that the information is accurate, then click on "proceed" to register the home funds youve selected as well as your personal information. The home fund you have selected will now be notified of your election. Providing ERTS with e-mail addresses will allow the designated home fund administrator to contact a traveler directly regarding home fund designation. To change or correct the listed information you have provided simply click on "back" and re-enter the correct information. After your information has been submitted this page should be printed out and signed. Retain a copy for your records.

Step 5. Once home fund approval has been received, a blanket authorization, see figure 4, will be placed on ERTS for the traveler to view. You will be notified at the e-mail address you have provided and can logon from any computer after receiving your user ID and password. To verify your authorizations, logon as in Steps 1 and 2, click on "view my blanket authorizations" and figure 4 will appear. Figure 4 is your digital signature and confirms that you accept the terms of the reciprocal agreement and the use of your digital signature to access ERTS. This is essentially the same thing that happens when you sign the paper forms in use today. Click "proceed" and figure 5 will appear. The blanket authorization and release, which lists your selected funds, will be visible for you to view. These blanket authorization forms will remain in full force and effect until modified or changed by you. It is important to remember your home fund must accept your designation BEFORE your blanket authorization will be placed online.

Step 6. The blanket authorization and release page as shown to the right in figure 5 should now be printed and retained for your records. This will be a travelers confirmation of home funds. We have provided an online participant user guide for demonstration of the registration process. This will be available on the participant main page. The guide will provide step-by-step instructions for the registration process.

Remember, once you have registered, you will receive a user ID and password through the mail. You will then be ready to log onto ERTS and conduct business in total security from any computer anywhere.