Prevailing Wage
Definition
Hourly wage, benefits, and overtime paid to majority of workers in a particular occupation and area. Federal and some state laws require prevailing wage on government construction projects. Typically matches union scale.
Louisville Context
Since 2017, Frankfort has repealed Kentucky’s prevailing wage law (HB 3; Kentucky General Assembly, 2017 Regular Session, Acts ch. 3) and limited what local governments can require employers to pay (KRS 65.016). As mayor, I will fight to restore it, apply federal Davis-Bacon wage standards on every Metro project with federal dollars, and use every tool the law allows so Metro-funded work pays fair wages to local workers. Without prevailing wage, contractors can undercut wages on public projects.
Why It Matters
Public projects should set high standards, not drive wages down. Prevailing wage ensures workers building schools and police stations earn living wages while taxpayers get quality work from trained professionals.
My Proposal
Fight in Frankfort to restore prevailing wage, apply federal Davis-Bacon wage standards on every Metro project with federal dollars, and use every tool the law allows so workers building public infrastructure earn fair wages.