WSR 05-19-043

DEPARTMENT OF

LABOR AND INDUSTRIES

[ Filed September 14, 2005, 3:21 p.m. ]


Notice of Prevailing Rate of Wage Change


     As per RCW 39.12.015, 39.12.020 and WAC 296-127-011 the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) published the prevailing rate of wage published on August 1, 2005 (WSR 05-16-075). Prior to the effective date the department identified errors in several classifications. Corrections to these errors were made and republished on August 23, 2005. We did not change the effective date for these changes so the effective date (August 31, 2005) remains the same for the currently published rates.

     L&I has determined that these changes are necessary to correct an error that was made in adjusting these wages. Absent these changes, L&I will be enforcing incorrect prevailing wages, which irreparably harms contractors, workers and the people of the state of Washington. Contractors rely on L&I's determination of prevailing wages, and they will be adversely impacted by utilizing incorrect prevailing wage rates to complete their contract with an awarding agency. These incorrect wages do not afford contractors the necessary certainty in bidding projects and in the wages that they pay their workers.

     The establishment of wages that are inaccurate not only adversely impacts potential public works contracts, but also may lead to distrust in the established wages leading to the erosion of local wage standards. This erosion has the potential of an economic harm to the general public and workers, which L&I is responsible for protecting. The director has determined that the readjustments to these wages are necessary to ensure for the correct application of prevailing wages and the general welfare and shall take effect immediately upon publication.

     For more information on prevailing wage please visit our web site at http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/PrevWage or call (360) 902-5335.

Cindy Hanson

Acting Industrial Statistician

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