DOL Releases Proposed Rule Updating Davis-Bacon Regulations

The Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Wage and Hour Division has released a proposed rule Updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations. The DOL indicates that the proposal is the most comprehensive review of the Davis-Bacon Act regulations in 40 years.

The Davis-Bacon Act generally requires payment of locally prevailing wages under direct federal contracts and for covered contractors and their subcontractors. The employer’s obligation can be met by paying the applicable prevailing wage entirely as cash wages or by a combination of cash wages and employer-provided bona fide fringe benefits—including pension and health benefits.

All comments must be received within 60 days of the rule being posted in the Federal Register. While the Wage and Hour Division solicits comments from across the construction industry, it encourages all stakeholders to participate in the process.