SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5432

BYSenators Anderson, Cantu, Matson and Saling

Changing provisions relating to prevailing wage determinations.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 17, 1989

Senate Staff:Jonathan Seib (786-7427)

AS OF JANUARY 24, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Wages paid on state, county, and city public works projects can be no lower than the prevailing wage for the particular occupation in the locality where the work is performed.  All determinations of "prevailing wage" are made by the industrial statistician of the Department of Labor and Industries.  Determinations are made based on wages and benefits of "workmen, laborers, or mechanics" in a locality, with no other limitations.

SUMMARY:

The industrial statistician of the Department of Labor and Industries, when calculating the prevailing rate of wage, may not include any public works project in which laborers, workers, or mechanics are paid the state prevailing rate of wage.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 11, 1989