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David Frye, LiUNA Vice-President & Midwest Regional Manager

The Importance of Prevailing Wage – And Why We Continue to Fight for It

In a perfect world, we’d always trust the government and legislatures to do the right thing. I guess that would mean in a perfect world we wouldn’t need unions advocating for worker rights – but here we are, in this world, and in this world, we continue to fight for fair pay, among other worker protections. That’s really the case for Davis-Bacon laws (also known as Prevailing Wage laws) in a nutshell.

The Davis-Bacon Act is a federal law that sets prevailing wage rules for federal construction projects, such as roads, bridges and federal buildings. It prevents government spending from undermining local wages and living standards. There are also state-level acts in 27 U.S. states that ensure the same for state construction projects. 

This is critical stuff – on any given day, thousands of LIUNA brothers and sisters are earning wages that are impacted directly by either the federal or a state project paying prevailing wages. So, without these laws, LIUNA members would earn less, probably FAR less, have fewer benefits, and the entire construction industry would suffer. I’m sure you know – there are plenty of contractors out there who would be happy to pay less (and likely receive lower-quality work) to get their projects done so they could move on to the next one. 

And, as you might be aware, the current administration isn’t the biggest fan of unions, of protecting worker rights, of ensuring a fair wage for well-trained (and safe) workers. So I’m willing to bet there are many in Washington who have their eyes on Davis-Bacon and would love to see it watered down or repealed, and they are cheered on by low-road contractors who want to take your pay, cut it by up to 60%, and use that to boost their profits.

Obviously, this would be devastating to all of us, and it would have ripple effects on all our local communities. Lower pay for Union Laborers translates directly into community job loss and less spending at grocery stores, malls, gas stations, and more.

Repealing these laws would create more dangerous worksites as well. Studies have shown that states with weak or no prevailing wage laws have higher rates of fatal workplace incidents.

Lower pay, the erosion of worker safety and benefits, and a poorer community, all so politicians and disreputable contractors can line their pockets. We won’t stand for it, but we will need you to do your part. This is about your paycheck, your benefits, your safety, and your community. 

In the coming weeks, we will be asking for your help. So stay tuned, keep an eye on social media, stay in touch with your local hall, and get ready to fight.

Want to learn more about Davis-Bacon/Prevailing Wage? We’ve got you covered.