Union trades leaders are applauding the recent Prevailing Wage requirement announced by the State of Michigan. The ruling applies to state construction projects.
Tom Lutz, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, said, “This decision protects Michigan’s investments in infrastructure because when prevailing wages are the expectation, contractors have to compete on a level playing field based on quality of their skilled work, not on the exploitation of their workers.”
Michigan’s prevailing wage rule was repealed in 2018. Prevailing wages differ geographically. The total costs of projects does increase with prevailing wage rulings, but is thought to increase standards.
Steve Claywell, President of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council said, “The restoring of prevailing wage provides a fair and equal bidding process allowing for highly trained men and women to be paid a good wage.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the ruling, saying it was “offering Michigan a highly-trained workforce to rely on as we build up our roads and bridges, replace lead pipes, install high-speed internet, and more.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
