NW Valley Times

The City of Tucson has taken a significant step towards prioritizing the welfare of its workers by passing a Prevailing Wage Ordinance. This move underscores the city's dedication to ensuring fair compensation for labor and protecting workers from exploitation.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero expressed her belief in the importance of prevailing wages, stating, "Prevailing wages have long served as a tool to uplift our communities, improve our local economy and protect all workers from being underpaid and taken advantage of." She emphasized that this ordinance would have a positive impact on families, providing economic stability, secure housing, and opportunities for educational investments.

The prevailing wage requirement will now be applied to all City of Tucson projects, adhering to the Federal Standard for prevailing wages. This commitment to prevailing wages will become the new norm for city projects. However, it is essential to note that this ordinance excludes previously voter-approved bonds, affordable housing projects, and any project under the $2 million threshold.

The passing of this ordinance has garnered praise from various labor unions and organizations. The Arizona Carpenters Union Local 1912 praised the City Council for passing Ordinance 12066, highlighting the accountability it brings to contractors and the focus on high-quality public works projects. The union also commended the council for advocating for apprenticeship training and maintaining a skilled workforce.

Similarly, the IBEW Local #570 Electrician Union expressed their support for Tucson's prevailing wage ordinance, emphasizing its significance in protecting working families against inflation and wage theft. They also highlighted the benefits of prevailing wages for responsible contractors and the public, including increased productivity, reduced injuries, and more apprenticeship opportunities. The union called for other Arizona cities to follow Tucson's lead.

Aaron Butler, President of the Arizona Building Trades, hailed the passing of the prevailing wage ordinance as a great day for working families in Tucson. He thanked the Mayor and Council for prioritizing fair wages for workers on city projects, stating, "In an age of high inflation, it's essential that cities and counties put workers first."

The Prevailing Wage Ordinance includes several key requirements. It applies to public works construction contracts awarded by the City with an engineer's estimate of $2,000,000 or more. The prevailing wages will be determined by the US Department of Labor and will cover trades subject to Federal Davis Bacon Act requirements. The ordinance also ensures timely weekly payments for workers, compliance with record-keeping and notice posting requirements, and prohibits the misclassification of workers as independent contractors or cash pay.

The passage of the Prevailing Wage Ordinance by the City of Tucson reflects a commitment to safeguarding the welfare of workers and promoting fair compensation. As the city moves forward with the implementation of this ordinance, it sets an example for other cities in Arizona to prioritize the well-being of their working families.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Government/Mayor-Council-and-City-Manager/Mayor-Regina-Romero/Mayor-Regina-Romeros-News-Releases/City-of-Tucson-Mayor-and-Council-Pass-Prevailing-Wage-Ordinance