The bill amends RCW 39.12.015 to update the process for determining the prevailing wage on public works projects in Washington State. It establishes that the industrial statistician of the Department of Labor and Industries will determine the prevailing wage based on collective bargaining agreements for trades and occupations with such agreements. Notably, the bill introduces a new provision that until May 31, 2027, the industrial statistician will adopt the hourly wage, usual benefits, and overtime from these agreements, with the higher rate prevailing in cases of multiple agreements. For contracts bid or awarded on or after June 1, 2027, the bill outlines a more detailed process for determining the prevailing wage, including the requirement to identify the majority rate or the rate representing the most workers in the absence of a majority.

Additionally, the bill specifies that for shipbuilding and ship repair contracts bid or awarded on or after June 1, 2027, the same process will apply, ensuring that the prevailing wage is based on collective bargaining agreements. In cases where there are no collective bargaining agreements in a county, the industrial statistician will establish the prevailing wage through wage and hour surveys or other appropriate methods. The bill also allows for appeals regarding the wage determination, requiring interested parties to provide evidence that the established rate does not reflect the majority or plurality of workers in the relevant trade or occupation.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 39.12.015