[Massplanners] FW: Cost of Using Prevailing Wage Rates

[Harry LaCortiglia]

Not really a Friday Question but...

Has anyone factored in the long term human cost of sidestepping the 
prevailing wage rate?

While there is certainly a powerful argument for saving every last dime 
of taxpayer monies as possible, perpetuating a race to the bottom has 
dire consequences for those who work in the building industries. Given 
that these individuals are frequently on the lower rungs of the 
socioeconomic ladder to begin with, are we not becoming part of the 
problem by participating in schemes that allow for the avoidance of the 
Prevailing Wage Laws?

Should local government employees (Planners, Economic Development 
Co-ordinators, etc.) really be the driving force, and the providers of a 
mechanism, to circumvent laws that were put into place to ensure a that 
a living wage is paid to the people who actually do this kind of work?

 From a moral perspective, how do we advocate and promote the idea of 
driving wages down to the point where the person actually making that 
sidewalk works all week long, but makes so little that they qualify for 
food stamps?

Aren't we supposed to be looking at the big picture?

H. LaCortiglia
Georgetown P.B.


On 10/7/2021 3:51 PM, Paul Halkiotis via MassPlanners wrote:
> Hi Katri
> I understand that prevailing wage rates are typically about 30% higher 
> than nonunion/prevailing wage rates.
>
> Paul Halkiotis, Director
> Planning & Economic Development
> 566 Washington St. P.O. Box 40
> Norwood, MA 02062
> (781)915-4749
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From: *"massplanners" <massplanners at masscptc.org>
> *To: *"massplanners" <massplanners at masscptc.org>
> *Sent: *Wednesday, October 6, 2021 11:19:56 AM
> *Subject: *[Massplanners] FW: Cost of Using Prevailing Wage Rates
>
> Hello.
>
> Does anyone have an estimate for the % increase per linear foot of 
> constructing a 6 foot wide sidewalk with straight faced granite curb 
> using prevailing wage rates versus a private entity constructing the 
> sidewalks (not using prevailing wage rates)?  All I need is a ball 
> park figure.  If you have an explanation for the ball park figure, all 
> the better.  I am preparing for a town wide “Pedestrian Summit” here 
> in Middleton.
>
> Thank you!
>
> *Katrina O'Leary, AICP *
>
> *Middleton Town Planner***
>
> 195 North Main Street     Middleton, MA   01949     PH: (978)777-8917
>
> /When responding, please be aware that the Massachusetts Secretary of 
> State has determined that most email is public record and, therefore, 
> cannot be kept confidential./
>
>
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