Further providing for definitions, for specifications and for duty of secretary.
Impact
The legislative changes proposed by HB 2153 aim to strengthen the prevailing wage requirements within the realm of public works in Pennsylvania. By clearly defining 'custom fabrication' and emphasizing wage standards pertinent to this work, the bill seeks to guarantee that all workers involved in public projects are fairly compensated. It ensures that employers who contract for custom fabrication adhere to the same wage standards as traditional contractors, which may enhance wage equity across different types of work involved in public projects.
Summary
House Bill 2153 seeks to amend the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act by updating definitions and provisions regarding public works contracts, specifically focusing on the classification of custom fabrication work. The bill outlines that public work encompasses all forms of construction, including custom fabrication, for contracts exceeding $25,000. The intent is to ensure that the minimum wage paid for custom fabrication aligns with the prevailing wage standards set for various construction trades, thus protecting workers' rights and maintaining fair wage standards in publicly funded projects.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 2153 appears generally positive among labor advocacy groups and those in favor of stronger labor protections, as it promises to close loopholes that may have previously allowed for lower wage standards in custom fabrication work. However, concerns may exist regarding the bill's potential impact on smaller contractors who might be burdened by the increased compliance requirements and the possibility of elevated project costs due to mandated wage adjustments.
Contention
Notable contention may arise from construction firms and contractors who express concerns about the economic implications of strict prevailing wage mandates, particularly for custom fabrication. They argue that such requirements could discourage bidding on public contracts or lead to inflated project costs that might limit the number of projects undertaken by small businesses. Additionally, there are discussions about the broad definitions included in the amendments which some stakeholders believe could lead to additional regulatory burdens.
Further providing for duty of contractor; providing for registration of contractors and subcontractors, for registration fees, for proof of registration and for duties of contractors, subcontractors and the department; and further providing for remedies and penalties.