Sen. Steve Conway (D–Tacoma) has introduced legislation intended to ensure that workers on public works projects 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 the current prevailing wage during the time the work is performed.

SB 5061 requires that public works contracts stipulate that the wages paid to laborers, workers, or mechanics be adjusted as necessary to the prevailing rate of wage in effect at the time the work is performed.

The bill is an updated version of HB 1099 from 2023 which did not pass. View AWC’s coverage here. This year’s proposal improves upon the original by providing that changes in wage rates are largely accounted for in the contract and before the project begins. The bill does not specify if changing orders will be necessary to adjust workers wages during the project.

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

AWC supports the premise of paying the appropriate wages at the time of the work being done and is working to ensure that the bill’s proposed changes are implementable.

Date to remember

SB 5061 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee on January 24 at 8 am.