Operating Engineers 324 today praised Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s decision to require state contractors and subcontractors to pay prevailing wage for construction projects. The move reinstates the prevailing wage requirement, which was repealed in June 2018, and ensures that any construction worker working on a state construction project receives a fair wage.
“We applaud Governor Whitmer’s action to return Prevailing Wage to state construction projects,” said Operating Engineers 324 Business Manager Douglas Stockwell. “Prevailing Wage is one of the most effective tools we have as a state to ensure that our infrastructure is built correctly, by well-trained professionals using the right equipment and materials. It guarantees those working on these essential projects will be paid fairly. Prevailing wage also lets the workforce of tomorrow know that we value these jobs and skills as a state and are dedicated to making sure they continue to offer lifelong sustainable careers.
“Studies have shown over and over that Prevailing Wage makes taxpayer dollars go further by eliminating things like cost overruns that are much more common when unqualified contractors are selected. It also puts our in-state contractors on a level playing field, keeping more jobs and the dollars they create in our state.
“Most importantly, it protects Michigan residents by putting the proud members of Operating Engineers 324 to work repairing and upgrading the infrastructure we so desperately need. Because when a bridge is being built for your family to cross, or a building to work in, quality in workmanship isn’t just one thing that matters. It’s the only thing that matters.”
Once effective, the prevailing wage guarantee will apply to all new projects bid out by the Design and Construction Division with the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), as well as certain Central Procurement Services contracts
“By reinstating prevailing wage, we are ensuring that working people get treated with dignity and respect, which starts with a fair wage,” said Governor Whitmer. “As governor, I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with working people and unions who built the middle class. By reinstating prevailing wage, we are ensuring working people can earn a decent standard of living, saving taxpayers money and time on crucial infrastructure projects, and 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.”