Establishing the Prevailing Wage Co-Enforcement Program; and providing for duties of the Department of Labor and Industry and participants in the Prevailing Wage Co-Enforcement Program.
Impact
The impact of SB588 on state laws is significant as it introduces a formalized method for volunteers to assist in the identification and reporting of wage violations. The program will authorize participants to conduct site visits, interact with workers, and share findings with the department, thus broadening the scope of monitoring and compliance efforts. This could lead to increased accountability for contractors on public works projects and improved wages for workers, which aligns with labor protection goals.
Summary
Senate Bill 588, known as the Prevailing Wage Co-Enforcement Act, seeks to establish a program aimed at enhancing the enforcement of prevailing wage laws in Pennsylvania. The bill outlines the creation of a Prevailing Wage Co-Enforcement Program within the Department of Labor and Industry, focusing on training volunteers to identify violations of prevailing wage regulations. This initiative is intended to improve compliance with the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act, a law designed to ensure that workers on public works projects are paid fairly according to established wage standards.
Sentiment
General sentiment around SB588 appears to be supportive among labor advocacy groups who believe that enhanced enforcement is essential for protecting workers' rights. However, concerns have been raised about the feasibility and effectiveness of utilizing volunteers for such critical compliance duties. Critics argue that there may be risks of bias or lack of proper training among volunteers, which could undermine the bill’s objectives. The balance between effective enforcement and potential overreach remains a topic of contention in discussions surrounding the bill.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns around the program participants' ability to act impartially without political or personal biases. Provisions in the bill clearly state exclusions for individuals representing labor unions to prevent conflicts of interest, a point that has led to debates about the independence and effectiveness of the program. Furthermore, the requirement for the Department of Labor and Industry to conduct investigations based on volunteer reports raises questions about the validity and reliability of compliance assessments undertaken by non-professionals.
Establishing the Prevailing Wage Co-Enforcement Program; and providing for duties of the Department of Labor and Industry and participants in the Prevailing Wage Co-Enforcement Program.
Establishing Recovery-to-work as a pilot program within the Department of Labor and Industry; and providing for local recovery-to-work pilot programs, for incentives to encourage business participation and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry.
Providing for minimum wage standards in underground infrastructure work, for application of Prevailing Wage Act, for enforcement, for penalties and appeals and for protection from retaliation; and creating a private right of action.
Providing for community solar facilities; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, electric distribution companies and subscriber organizations; and providing for prevailing wage and labor requirements.
Providing for the accrual and use of earned paid leave; establishing the Small Business Grant Program; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing a penalty.
Providing for school-to-work programs; establishing the CareerBound program; providing for a tax credit; and conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Labor and Industry.
Providing for the registration of labor brokers; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry and the Secretary of Labor and Industry; establishing the Labor Broker Registration Account; and imposing penalties.
Providing for the registration of labor brokers; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry and the Secretary of Labor and Industry; establishing the Labor Broker Registration Account; and imposing penalties.
Establishing the Prevailing Wage Co-Enforcement Program; and providing for duties of the Department of Labor and Industry and participants in the Prevailing Wage Co-Enforcement Program.
Establishing the Pennsylvania Agroforestry Program and the Pennsylvania Agroforestry Fund; providing grants to resident farmers and resident businesses; and imposing duties on Department of Agriculture.
In public assistance, further providing for medical assistance payments for institutional care and providing for emergency transportation services and for case-mix rates for nursing facilities; in Statewide quality care assessment, further providing for definitions, for implementation, for administration, for restricted account and for expiration; continuing the Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority and the Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Fund; and making a repeal.
In membership, credited service, classes of service, and eligibility for benefits relating to retirement for State employees and officers, further providing for mandatory and optional membership in the system and participation in the plan; and, in benefits, further providing for termination of annuities.