What is the Davis-Bacon Act?

The Davis-Bacon Act is a federal law in the United States that requires contractors performing work on government projects to pay their laborers and mechanics a minimum wage. It was introduced in 1931 and is applicable in Washington. The act requires contractors to submit a list of prevailing wages to the federal agency that is awarding the contract. The wages must be at least the same as the wages paid to workers for similar tasks on similar jobs in the same area. It also requires employers to pay overtime for any work done in excess of 40 hours per week. The Davis-Bacon Act applies to contracts of $2,000 or more for the construction, alteration, and/or repair of public buildings and works in the United States. It covers all work performed by mechanics and laborers, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and laborers such as painters and masons. The Davis-Bacon Act is designed to protect workers from being taken advantage of or paid less than fair wages by contractors. It ensures that contractors pay a fair wage to their workers and provides a safety net for workers in industries where wages are not regulated by collective bargaining agreements. It is an important piece of legislation for protecting the rights and wages of workers in Washington and across the United States.

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