Industry News and Advocacy

What is The Davis-Bacon Act and Why It Matters

The Davis-Bacon Act requires contractors on federally funded construction projects to pay wages and benefits comparable to the local prevailing wage. When the law is followed, workers are guaranteed to receive fair pay, receive their benefits on time, and can count on reliable work. Davis-Bacon keeps contractors honest and prevents undercutting.

For union carpenters, these protections make a huge difference. The fair wages help you support your family and it creates a fair chance for union contractors to win bids on these projects. Quality work wins, not the lowest bid. 

A CARPENTERS PERSPECTIVE:

WITH DAVIS-BACON:

Imagine being on a federal jobsite where you know your paycheck is protected. Your wages, benefits, and overtime must be reported every week, so you’re not left guessing what you’re owed. The contractor can’t bring in cheaper, out-of-town labor to replace you. They can’t underpay you or cut benefits to save money because Davis-Bacon stops that.

WITHOUT DAVIS-BACON ACT:

Without Davis-Bacon protections, you would get paid less and you would lose work quickly to out-of-town labor or to cheaper workers.

 
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