The bill amends RCW 39.12.015 to establish new guidelines for determining the prevailing wage on public works projects in Washington State. It introduces a temporary provision that until May 31, 2027, the industrial statistician will set the prevailing wage based on collective bargaining agreements for trades and occupations with such agreements. For contracts bid or awarded on or after June 1, 2027, the bill specifies that the industrial statistician will determine the prevailing wage by identifying the majority rate among workers in the same trade or occupation, or the rate representing the most workers if no majority exists. Additionally, it clarifies that wage surveys will not be conducted in counties with collective bargaining agreements, except in specific appeal situations.

The bill also includes specific provisions for the shipbuilding and ship repair industries, stating that the same prevailing wage determination process will apply for contracts bid or awarded on or after June 1, 2027. For trades and occupations without collective bargaining agreements, the industrial statistician will establish the prevailing wage through wage and hour surveys or other appropriate methods if surveys are not feasible. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the process of determining prevailing wages while ensuring that collective bargaining agreements are prioritized in the wage-setting process.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 39.12.015