Prevailing Wage Lawyer Cleveland, Ohio

Are you working on a government construction project? Then you may need an Ohio prevailing wage lawyer to answer your questions or concerns.

You should consider hiring an Ohio prevailing wage attorney when you plan a public works project, bid on a public works project, or are involved in project management or labor relations for a public works project.

Legal professionals at The Friedmann Firm will explain how Ohio’s prevailing wage law works. If you have specific questions, do not hesitate to contact us online or to request a consultation by calling us at 614.610.9755.

Ohio’s Prevailing Wage Law

Chapter 4115 of the Ohio Revised Code defines the process for setting the prevailing wage and the situations in which that wage must be paid. Whenever a state or local government agency contracts a construction project to a private entity, they must pay a prevailing wage.

Unless otherwise specified, the prevailing wage must reflect the total hourly dollar value of:

• Hourly pay
• Vacation and paid holidays
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Pension
• Apprenticeship programs
• Other contractually obligated fringe benefits

Agencies and contractors can claim an exemption from the prevailing wage law when completing a project that does not cost very much. For example, new construction that costs less than $250,000 is not subject to the prevailing wage.

Writing Bids and Contracts in Compliance with Ohio’s Prevailing Wage Law

Prevailing wages change every two years, and they differ for each type of skilled tradesperson collective bargaining agreement (CBA). This means that a painter on a public works project in Cuyahoga County will receive a different prevailing wage than a painter in Franklin County. If they have different union affiliations, two painters in Cuyahoga County will be subject to different prevailing wages.

Note, too, that separate considerations for each of the following are also part of prevailing wage agreements:

• Boilermakers
• Bricklayers
• Cement Masons
• Drywall finishers
• Electricians
• Elevator installers and inspectors
• Glaziers
• Insulators
• Ironworkers
• Laborers
• Painters
• Plasterers
• Plumbers
• Roofers
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Sprinkler fitter

Pay differentials highlight why government agencies, contractors, and union reps can all benefit from consulting with a knowledgeable prevailing wage attorney. The lawyer will make sure that requests for proposals, bids for jobs, and employment contracts account for the current prevailing wage in all its various applications.

Overtime and Prevailing Wages

Under Ohio’s prevailing wage law and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, skilled tradespeople must be paid overtime at a rate of at least 1.5 times their regular wage. Just like other hourly workers, overtime kicks in as soon as a person exceeds 40 hours on the clock in a seven-day pay period.

Working with a dedicated Ohio prevailing wage attorney will help ensure overtime rates are calculated correctly and applied consistently. Lawyers will also be able to help unions and workers pursue claims for unpaid overtime.

If you are starting a government construction project, our attorneys will be there with you through every step of the process. We will ensure that you are given the correct prevailing wage. We offer free consultations, call The Friedmann Firm at 440.703.8550 today to speak to one of our legal professionals.