WASHINGTON – The historic investment in our nation’s aging infrastructure made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – signed by President Biden on Nov. 15, 2021 – will have a significant impact on those involved in federal construction contracts.
Since most of the projects funded or assisted through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be subject to Davis-Bacon prevailing wage labor standards, construction workers on these projects must be paid at least the locally prevailing wage and fringe benefits required for the work they perform.
“Each year, the worker protections of the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts apply to roughly $217 billion in federal and federally assisted construction projects, ensuring local prevailing wages are paid to approximately 1.2 million U.S. construction workers,” explained Acting Wage and Hour Division Administrator Jessica Looman. “We are excited that these worker protections will be available to even more workers because of the unprecedented investment in infrastructure made possible by Bilateral Infrastructure Law.”
To assist contracting agencies, contractors, unions, workers and other stakeholders in understanding and meeting Davis-Bacon compliance requirements, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division will present an interactive webinar, “Davis-Bacon Labor Standards for Infrastructure Projects,” on Feb. 28 and March 1, 2022. Participants may register for either date.
“By reaching out to contractors, contracting agencies, stakeholders and workers, we can help ensure they understand their responsibilities,” Looman added. “When government promotes fair competition and ensures fair wages, our economy works for everyone.”
The webinar will offer an overview of the Davis-Bacon compliance requirements followed by a Q&A session. Participants will be able to submit questions in advance or during the webinar. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Register for the webinar at Eventbrite. Upon registration, additional information – including the links to video trainings and virtual Q&A session dates – will be provided.
This event is the latest in the Wage and Hour Division’s ongoing efforts to increase awareness and improve compliance with federal prevailing wage requirements among employers performing work on federally funded construction or services contracts.
For more information on Davis-Bacon compliance with Bilateral Infrastructure Law, the Davis-Bacon Act, the Service Contract Act, and other federal wage laws, please call the department’s toll-free helpline at 1-866-4US-WAGE (487-9243) or visit the Wage and Hour Division online.