Department of Labor to Strengthen Prevailing Wage Regulations

Welcome News for Construction Workers

Washington, D.C. (March 11, 2021) – Terry O’Sullivan, General President of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – made the following statement today:

LIUNA commends the Administration and the US Department of Labor on the proposed rulemaking which will update regulations for the implementation of the Davis-Bacon Act for the first time in 40 years. These needed updates will modernize the rules and improve effectiveness.

For the proud men and women of LIUNA, who do the grueling work of building our nation’s roads, bridges, transit, federal buildings and energy infrastructure, effective implementation and enforcement of prevailing wages on federal construction projects helps ensure that workers earn fair wages and benefits. As the jobs-creating investment from the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law rolls out, these updates will protect taxpayers’ investment as well as construction workers’ pay and benefits.

The proposed changes will also strengthen worker protections and enforcement, including debarment for contractors that cheat workers and anti-retaliation rules to protect whistle-blowers.

LIUNA thanks President Biden and Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh for their leadership in protecting and creating good jobs and we look forward to the roll-out of the new Davis Bacon regulations.