Charleston, West Virginia – Delegate Justin Marcum (D - Mingo) voted against Senate Bill 361, the repeal of the requirement that a prevailing hourly rate of wages as calculated by the Division of Labor be paid in construction of public improvements.
“It would reduce safety standards; bring in substandard labor; and, potentially bring in undocumented workers further hurting our local workers,” said Marcum. “I’m standing with the workers and will continue to fight for them.”
The bill no longer eliminates the prevailing wage but requires Marshall and WVU business schools along with Work Force West Virginia to recalculate the wage.
“This repeal of prevailing cuts the wages of our local workers, reduce safety standards, potentially reduced drug free workers, and could put local contractors out of business,” Marcum said.
This Bill is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature.