State Law Updates

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced that the state will reinstate the prevailing wage requirement (previously repealed in June 2018) for construction projects. This will require state contractors to pay certain wages for various classifications. See here for more information: … [Read more...] about State of Michigan to Reinstate Prevailing Wage Law

Governor Kathy Hochul signed four pieces of legislation aimed towards protecting workers--including A.3350-A/S.2766-C, which makes contractors on construction projects jointly liable for wages owed to employees of their subcontractors. In addition, S.6350-A/A.7434-A requires the payment of … [Read more...] about NY Governor Signs 4 Bills to Protect Workers

Last week, the California Supreme Court ruled on two cases in favor of the employer as it pertains to prevailing wages. First, the court ruled that "public work" is limited to work on fixed structures. And second, the court ruled that work done for a construction project is covered ONLY if it … [Read more...] about California Supreme Court Rejects Expansion of the Types of Work for Which Prevailing Wages Apply

In the 2021 congressional session, Oregon passed multiple laws, including SB 493 which sets the prevailing wage as the union-negotiated wage for that area. It used to be determined using an annual employer survey. See here for more information: … [Read more...] about Oregon Makes Prevailing Wage the Union Wage

The Oregon Legislature approved the "100% Clean Electricity" bill and committed to zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Similar commitments from California and Washington means a 100% clean west coast. Part of the bill requires prevailing wage and benefits for any new energy project 10 megawatts … [Read more...] about Oregon’s “100 Clean Electricity” Bill to Require Prevailing Wages on Projects

Senator Eddie Melton introduced a bill to more than double the current minimum wage of $7.25/hour (the federal requirement) to $15/hour over five years--which would move Indiana to the nation's highest minimum wage. Democrats argue that the increase will help fill jobs as the state currently faces a … [Read more...] about Indiana Senate Democrats Seek Minimum Wage Increase