CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - With frustrated union workers looking on, the Republican-led House of Delegates on Wednesday approved a bill to eliminate West Virginia’s prevailing wage for public construction projects.
In a contentious 55-44 vote, the House sent the bill opposed by organized labor to the Republican-majority Senate. Eight House Republicans voted “no” alongside Democrats.
Wednesday’s debate continues a tussle from last year about how to change the government-set wages for a variety of workers on public construction jobs, from plumbers to electricians.
Republicans said they believe the wage is inflated and repealing it would save taxpayer money. Some also characterized the vote as a direct statement against unions.
“Today is that day that you will decide to stand with the taxpayer or to stand with the union bosses,” said Del. Eric Householder, R-Berkeley.
Democrats said the move wouldn’t produce savings, but would reduce workers’ paychecks and benefit out-of-state contractors. The wage applies to union and non-union contracts.
Del. Nancy Guthrie, D-Kanawha, said a vote in favor of repeal would say to the union workers in the stands that they “are not good enough, they’re not bright enough and their value is of no concern to you.”
Lawmakers rejected a Democratic amendment to study possible economic impacts. On Tuesday, the House didn’t consider a Democratic appeal to get rid of the wage for only five years and figure out the effect.
Republican leaders aren’t happy with the outcome of a compromise bill last year that let Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s administration retool the wage.
The bill also eliminated the prevailing wage for projects costing $500,000 or less.
Federal construction is covered by a federal prevailing wage.
Republicans believe the administration didn’t make much of an effort to change the way the wage is calculated. Tomblin’s office has said it followed the law and created an accurate picture of what contractors would normally be paid.
The Senate GOP’s majority stands at 18-16. If Tomblin decides to veto the legislation, Republicans only need a simple majority - and enough time in the ongoing 60-day legislative session - to override the veto.
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