Rep. Liz Berry (D–Seattle) has introduced legislation intended to ensure workers are paid the prevailing rate of wage in effect at the time the work is performed.

Prevailing wages are frozen from the time bids are due for the duration of the project, regardless of how long it takes to complete the project, which can sometimes take years. This means that in some cases workers may not be paid current prevailing wage during the time the work is performed.

HB 1099 would require that wages paid to workers on public projects be adjusted in accordance with prevailing wage adjustments made since the time a bid was submitted. It adds to existing prevailing wage law that a public work contract must stipulate that the hourly minimum rate of wage for laborers, workers, or mechanics be adjusted as necessary to provide that such wage is not less than the latest prevailing wage in effect at the time the work is performed.

Please contact AWC staff if your city has concerns or other feedback on this legislation.

Date to remember

HB 1099 is scheduled for executive session in the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee on Friday, January 20 at 10:30 am.