New DOL Davis Bacon Wage Overview + Online Training

Author
Mark McManus

Organization
General President, United Association

Good Morning,

Last month, the Biden Administration and the U.S. Department of Labor released the largest expansion to Davis-Bacon prevailing wage regulations since President Reagan gutted the law in the 1980s. This final rule – the most significant update to Davis-Bacon in more than 40 years – will help ensure our members can win more work with the fair wages and benefits we deserve.

Davis-Bacon was first enacted in 1931 and has been the first line of defense for working families for generations. Prevailing wage guarantees that unscrupulous contractors cannot bring in outside labor on the cheap; instead, they must pay all workers on a job, regardless of where they are from, the prevailing wage for that area. This update from the Biden Administration makes it easier for our collectively-bargained rates to prevail and strengthens various definitions throughout the rule.

Let me be clear: this overhaul of the Davis-Bacon regulations means more work for UA members.

While the fringe media outlets might not report on the details of this major overhaul, we here at the General Office want to make sure you all have the tools you need as these new regulations go into effect. Attached to this email, you’ll find a UA-specific guide to the changes and improvements made, and how they will apply to you at the local level.

In addition, the Department of Labor is hosting two webinar training sessions this week:

• Wednesday, September 13 from 1:00 to 3:00pm EST
• Thursday, September 14 from 1:00 to 3:00pm EST

I highly encourage you to register for one of the webinars this week to learn more about this important update, how it impacts you locally, and how you can get involved and track the wage surveys happening in your areas. You can register for either of the training sessions at the link here: U.S. DOL Davis-Bacon Training Webinar.

The United Association was proud to play a central role in shaping the direction of these updates. We are thrilled to see the Biden Administration take our input and listen to the voices of working American families like ours. When the United Association gets involved in politics, we can deliver massive victories for our members like this one.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office or to the Department of Legislative and Political Affairs with any questions about this update. Davis-Bacon is an incredibly effective tool at our disposal that can and should be used at the local level. We will continue to fight for our members and our way of life with every tool we have.

Fraternally,

Mark McManus