What is the Public Works Employment Act?

The Public Works Employment Act, also known as the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act, is a federal law that applies to businesses contracting with the United States government for supplies and services worth more than $10,000. It is enforced in Texas and all other states and territories. This law sets standards for wages, overtime pay, and working hours, and prohibits discrimination against workers based on race, sex, or religion. Under the Public Works Employment Act, employers must pay their workers the prevailing wage in the area which the project is located. This means that whatever the average wages are for people who do the same type of work in the same geographical area, that will be the minimum wage for those working on the government-contracted project. The prevailing wage should include an hourly rate and overtime pay, as well as payment for vacation days and holidays. Employers must also post this information where their employees can see it. In addition, the Public Works Employment Act sets a maximum work week of 40 hours (or 8 hours a day). Any time worked in excess of 40 hours per week must be paid at time-and-a-half. Finally, employers are prohibited from discriminating against workers on the basis of race, sex, or religion. By setting standards for wages, hours, and benefits, the Public Works Employment Act helps to ensure that contractors on government-funded projects are providing fair working conditions to their employees. It helps protect workers in the state of Texas, and across the United States, from unfair practices.

Related FAQs

What is the Service Contract Act?
What is the difference between a union and a non-union workplace?
What is the Immigration and Nationality Act?
How do I report a labor law violation?
What are the laws concerning collective bargaining agreements?
What is the Minimum Wage Act?
What are the employee rights during a labor dispute?
What is the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)?
What is the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act?
What is the Railway Labor Act (RLA)?

What is the Public Works Employment Act?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts