A group of Republican lawmakers recently took steps to scrap the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL's) final rule updating the prevailing wages for construction workers on federal contracts. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa., introduced a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act on Nov. 15. So far, 22 U.S. Representatives have signed on.
The prevailing wage is the minimum rate that an employer must pay to workers on federal construction projects in a particular location. We've gathered a group of articles on the topic from SHRM Online and other trusted sources.
Republicans Oppose Rule
The resolution of disapproval would nullify a regulation finalized by the DOL in August that changed how prevailing wages are calculated under the federal Davis-Bacon Act.
The DOL said the update to the law was necessary to ensure the agency can determine a prevailing wage rate more frequently. The law requires that contractors on certain public works projects pay their workers the prevailing wage or local wage rate plus fringe benefits based on the type of work being completed.
Republicans and business groups have criticized the measure, saying it will favor union contractors and raise the cost of federal construction projects. The resolution of disapproval may face some roadblocks with moderate lawmakers who are more sympathetic to unions.
Revising Prevailing Wage
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