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
Oregon’s “100 Clean Electricity” Bill to Require Prevailing Wages on Projects
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
Indiana Senate Democrats Seek Minimum Wage Increase
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
Pennsylvania Judge Orders Jail Sentence for Prevailing Wage Violation
In a recent Pennsylvania case, a contractor pleaded guilty to five counts of theft for underpaying his employees almost $65,000 in prevailing wages. In a somewhat surprising decision, the Court sentenced him to a term of four months to possibly two years in jail--even though no one on the case … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania Judge Orders Jail Sentence for Prevailing Wage Violation
Michigan Introduces Bills to Bring Back Prevailing Wages
Although prevailing wage laws were repealed in Michigan in 2018, lawmakers have since introduced two new bills that would reinstate the law. See here for more information: https://www.wlns.com/news/michigan/lawmakers-want-to-bring-back-prevailing-wage-laws-in-michigan/ … [Read more...] about Michigan Introduces Bills to Bring Back Prevailing Wages
California Supreme Court Expands Definition of “Public Works”
The Supreme Court held that contract employees sorting bottles at a materials recovery facility owned by a county sanitation district were entitled to prevailing orders. The ruling effectively broadened the definition of "public works" under Labor Code Section 1720. See here for more … [Read more...] about California Supreme Court Expands Definition of “Public Works”