Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands prevailing wage requirements for public projects in Pennsylvania.

Highlights:

• Amends the definition of “public work” to include custom fabrication and exclude the rehabilitation of a residential property or school safety and security improvements (Sec. 2).

• Expands the definition of “workman” to include laborers, mechanics, skilled and semi-skilled laborers, apprentices, and anyone employed by a contractor or subcontractor to perform custom fabrication or nonstandard goods or materials for a public work project (Sec. 2).

• Defines “Custom fabrication” as the fabrication, assembly, or other production of nonstandard goods and materials (including components, fixtures, or parts) that are made offsite, but produced for a public work project (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that the applicable goods and materials shall include those used in trades and systems such as (Sec. 2):

• Plumbing or pipe-fitting systems;

• Heating; 

• Ventilating; 

• Air conditioning; 

• Refrigeration systems;

• Sheet metal or other duct systems; 

• Boiler systems; 

• Electrical systems;

• Welding work; 

• Mechanical insulation work; 

• Ornamental iron work; 

• Rebar system assembly;

• One or more signs in a project; and

• Prefabs for a specific project of public work with minimal construction remaining.

• Exempts components or materials such as structural steel members or precast concrete from the term “Custom fabrication” (Sec. 2).

• Expands minimum wage rates and compliance and reporting requirements to those employing workmen engaged in custom fabrication (Sec. 2).

• Requires the minimum wage for custom fabrication workmen to be the prevailing minimum wage rate for the applicable craft or trade in the locality of the public work project (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect 60 days after passage (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text