Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has released updated prevailing wage rates for construction trades across each county. This update, announced on Monday, aligns with the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act's goal to ensure local wages are maintained in public works and infrastructure projects, thereby reinvesting tax dollars into the state's workforce and economy.

Each June, IDOL assesses and determines these wage rates for every county. The prevailing wage is described as "hourly cash wages plus annualized fringe benefits ... paid generally, in the locality in which the work is being performed, to employees engaged in work of a similar character on public works."

Jane Flanagan, Director of the Illinois Department of Labor, emphasized the importance of this process: "Establishing, publishing, and enforcing prevailing wage rates are core functions of the Department," she stated. She added that maintaining current rates supports local contractors' competitiveness in securing publicly funded projects while offering quality job opportunities to local workers.

Stakeholders who disagree with the newly published rates have until August 14th to submit written objections to IDOL. These objections will be reviewed in hearings before an Administrative Law Judge.

For further details on prevailing wage rates, individuals are encouraged to visit IDOL's website.