The Nevada Senate approved a bill that would suspend prevailing wage rules on school projects.
The prevailing wage measure is attached to a bill providing more money for school construction that has widespread support. But the 11-9 vote went according to party lines with Democrats opposed.
Prevailing wage rates are set by the state labor commissioner, and vary by the type of work and by county. Republican leadership argued that prevailing wage rules raise the price of building schools and reduce the amount of work that can be done. Under the current prevailing wage law, a journeyman carpenter on a public works project in the county encompassing Las Vegas must be paid $53.76 an hour, according to the Las Vegas Sun.
Union leaders say suspending the rules would devastate wages for middle-class workers and benefit out-of-state contractors. Democratic leaders asserted that repealing the prevailing wage provision would lead to lesser quality workmanship on school projects.
The bill now goes to the Republican-controlled Assembly.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2020
Commissioning study finds median energy savings of 3% to 16%
Berkeley Lab examines results of commissioning across building types.
Codes and Standards | Nov 17, 2020
Midtown Manhattan’s empty offices could be converted to affordable housing
Advocates envision idle offices re-zoned to alleviate housing crisis.
Codes and Standards | Nov 16, 2020
New concrete detailing manual includes downloadable CAD files
American Concrete Institute document contains guidance on codes for structural concrete.
Codes and Standards | Nov 12, 2020
California rent control measure defeated
Golden State voters reject Proposition 21.
Codes and Standards | Nov 11, 2020
NY court ruling makes it easier for condo boards to sue investors for construction defects
Investors would be tapped for damages on such cases.
Codes and Standards | Nov 10, 2020
Researchers and industry leaders will form national institute for AI in construction
Goal is to identify high-impact areas for application in design and construction.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2020
Jobsite injuries in New York City decline 20% since 2017
Safety training cited as a cause of improvement.
Codes and Standards | Nov 4, 2020
Commercial building owners having tougher time securing insurance policies and renewals
Insurers’ fears of civil unrest in wake of election prompt builder’s risk coverage moratoriums.
Codes and Standards | Nov 4, 2020
Turn rooftops into revenue generators with solar arrays
Lease or ownership models for PVs make more sense than ever.
Codes and Standards | Nov 3, 2020
The argument against gas stoves includes degraded indoor air quality
Asthma seems to be aggravated by cooking with flame.
