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
Kentucky has no prevailing wage requirement for state/local projects (repealed 2017), allowing contractors to undercut wages on public projects. Dave reinstates prevailing wage standards for Louisville Metro projects: construction workers on city projects earn wages matching skilled worker standards, not bottom-barrel rates. This ensures: quality work, trained workers, living wages, and level playing field for contractors paying fair wages.
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.
Dave’s Proposal
Establish prevailing wage standards for all Louisville Metro construction projects. Workers building public infrastructure earn wages matching skilled worker standards, ensuring quality work and living wages.