|
WHATS NEW?
DIR Refuses to Recognize IBEW Contract for Traffic Signal and Streetlight Maintenance as Prevailing
The DIR recently rejected a collective bargaining agreement entered into by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to address the concerns of those specialty contractor who engage in Traffic and Street Lighting Maintenance. A specific set of wage rates were agreed to over a decade ago. (much of which involves testing and changing bulbs). This statewide agreement would set industry standard wages across the state for this work. DIR rejected the original agreement in 2006 and has recently stated this contract does not establish prevailing wages. No further explanation was given. The contractor was referred to either Inside Wireman rates and scope of work or that of Electrical Utility Lineman. Neither of those classifications capture the skill set or tasks performed by those who provide Traffic Signal and Streetlight Maintenance. Once again cities and the public are being forced to pay expensive uncompetitive rates for this work.
Street Sweeping is Covered by Prevailing Wages
CCMI was recently asked to research whether street sweeping is considered janitorial work and excluded from prevailing wage requirements. In two "coverage determinations" issued by the DIR in 2001-2002, the DIR found that Street Sweeping was considered maintenance work for which prevailing wages were due. Many cities have referred to a 2005 coverage determination involving the City of Santa Clarita. In that instance, the DIR found that street sweeping was not covered by prevailing wages. However, the key factor in the Santa Clarita case is that it is was City employees that operated the street sweeper. Employees of Public Agencies are exempt from prevailing wage requirements but not outside contractors.
|
