First proposed by two Republican Senators in 1931, the Davis-Bacon Act was created on the common-sense theory that government should not undermine wages and standards in American communities when it purchases construction services for itself. In short, it ensures that federal contractors pay a fair wage for an honest day’s work.
These prevailing wage rates are set for each area or region by the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor. The UA works closely with this Division – and even recommends nominees to serve as Administrator – to ensure fair wage rates and application across the board.
Our opponents and low-road contractors who would rather get rich off their workers’ backs than pay fair wages and benefits try time and time again to undermine these laws.
We keep winning.
Our Department is proud to fight for Davis-Bacon protections at every turn and in every jurisdiction because we know that an honest day’s work deserves an honest day’s wage.
We work diligently to educate elected officials and their staffs of the importance of these protections on federally-funded projects. Local unions across the nation turn to our Department to help craft local Davis-Bacon protections and to ensure that the wages we fight so hard to protect cannot be undermined.
General President Mark McManus
Fair wages. Fair benefits.
It’s a simple idea for people like us who work hard for a living. We go to work each day to put food on the table for our families, to give our kids every opportunity to succeed, and to one day retire with dignity.
That’s why Davis-Bacon prevailing wage laws are essential.
Low-road contractors try every trick in the book to cut corners and pocket more money for themselves. Davis-Bacon prevailing wage laws eliminate one of those tricks and ensure our members earn fair wages.
