Bill to update prevailing wages annually draws split testimony from trades and contractors

The Senate committee heard Engrossed Second Substitute SB 50-61 on Feb. 18, a bill that would require public-works contracts to update prevailing-wage hourly rates annually throughout a project rather than freeze rates at the bid date. Proponents said the measure protects skilled workers on multi-year projects; opponents warned it could expose contractors — especially smaller firms — to unpredictable rate increases.

Erin Fraser (Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council) testified in strong support, saying frozen wages erode pay over projects that can extend three to five years and drive workforce turnover. Clint Bryson (IBEW Local 76) and Pete Butler (NECA) also supported the bill, stating annual adjustments encourage fair competition and help retain local apprentices and skilled tradespeople.

Contractor groups, including the Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors, urged amendments to provide protections against sudden and large prevailing-wage increases. Gerry Vanderwood (AGC) cited past cases where certain trade rates rose sharply — for example, double-digit increases in specific trades — and proposed an amendment to allow change orders for increases above 5% to shield small or undercapitalized contractors. Brandon Huskeeper and Carolyn Logue raised similar concerns and asked for rulemaking fixes to prevent out-of-area CBAs from driving local rates.

Department of Labor and Industries staff highlighted IT challenges and implementation costs and asked for a delayed effective date to allow systems updates. No committee vote was recorded in the transcript; the public hearing closed after testimony.