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* From last month…
Illinois law requires each municipality to pass annual prevailing wage ordinances setting out the union pay rate for the area, as established by the department of labor, which will be the base rate for work contracted out for many projects.
At Monday’s village council meeting trustees in Port Byron(Quad Cities) said no and voted down their prevailing wage ordinance.
More…
“If we don’t pass it, what then?” trustee Brian Bitler asked.
Mayor Kevin Klute said he wasn’t sure. […]
An audience member said the village may soon see protesters, which Mr. Bitler said would amount to “union bullying.”
“I can’t just let that pass,” Mr. Wells said in response. “People do have the right to make a living wage.”
* A union protest of sorts did happen. From Illinois Review…
Some union thugs over the long Independence Day weekend decided to pass out flyers in downtown Port Byron,IL that threatened and sought to intimidate local businesses all because the Port Byron city council voted against a prevailing wage resolution last month. […]
Quad Cities area union members said in the flyer that they wanted, “Alltradespeople, our friends and business partners to not patronize Port Byron businesses.” Because the council voted against a prevailing wage resolution. Prevailing wage forces governmental units to pay the prevailing, i.e union wage, for construction, road and other projects thus needlessly driving up the cost of projects.
The union flyer also says that it is “disgraceful” that Port Byron’s elected officials, “Do not recognize the economic value that construction trades and their families bring to your community.”
More…
“I find it despicable for them to go into town and threaten to take money out of the pockets of our local businesses so they can further an agenda,” Klute told News 8.
“Maybe you have a conversation with us first before we start handing pamphlets in downtown Port Byron threatening to take the livelihood from our businesses,” Klute added.
OK, but maybe the other side of the coin is you should talk to your union residents before you refuse to approve your local prevailing wage rate.
Votes have consequences.
The flier is here.
*** UPDATE *** The pressure apparently worked. With a grateful hat tip to a commenter…
Village board members Monday passed the state-mandated prevailing wage agreement, but added a statement of protest seeking local control of labor costs.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:08 am
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What next is the right question. Will they get away with not actually paying prevailing wage in future projects, simply by ignoring the law?
Comment by walker Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:13 am
Looks like an opportunity for Lisa to require compliance with State law.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:14 am
We sure do pick our victims haphazardly in this state.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:16 am
It’s called a boycott. It’s pretty much time honored and totally non-violent. If the businesses see a drop in business, they can contact their councilperson. Of course, calling someone a ‘thug’ is sure to get their complete cooperation and business.
Comment by Not quite a majority Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:17 am
– “I can’t just let that pass,” Mr. Wells said in response. “People do have the right to make a living wage.” –
So your response is to vote for lower wages?
Comment by the Other Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:17 am
The arrogance of elected officials never ceases to amaze me.
Comment by A Jack Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:17 am
I find it despicable, that the city, in direct violation of State law, would take money out of the hands of regular working folks. Why care more about the business owners? You know, playing the whole thing out, if you lay people less, they spend less at businesses, so no prevailing wage hurts business too. The incredible mental gymnastics these heritage foundation puppets must do in order not to see that long term, driving wages down hurts everyone, even your precious business owners and job creators. /rant
Comment by Me too Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:22 am
Just did a quick check. As an example, a painter, under prevailing wage, in Coles County earns more than $46/hour.
Do you really think that is a prevailing wage for painters in Coles County?
Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:23 am
Merriam-Webster Full Definition of THUG : a brutal ruffian or assassin
Assassination by 1000 paper cuts??
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:23 am
Pay not lay. Darn phone
Comment by Me too Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:23 am
C’mon, Rich. You KNOW that no more than 15% of the people of Port Byron are likely to be union members, and a much smaller percentage in the union building trades. So these “tails’ are supposed to wag the economic puppy of the people?
What was the point of even asking the unions their opinion? You don’t need to guess that they’d be against continuing having the taxpayers pay far more than fair average trade salary and benefit rates.
A state like Illinois simply can’t afford to pay far above average for construction without adding value for the expense, union bullying notwithstanding.
Perhaps it’s time for the people of Port Byron to stop hiring union construction firms and go with non-union. Now THAT would be a fair boycott….
Comment by Arizona Bob Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:24 am
State law requires a governmental body to pay prevailing wage rates regardless of whether or not it passes the routine ordinance.
Comment by GOPGal Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:25 am
Why have a vote, if the law requires it?
A vote is a deciding action.
If there is nothing to decide, what is the point of voting to accept forced compliance?
Comment by Pete Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:25 am
Were those union people attacking people while they were handing out fliers? I wasn’t aware that one was a thug because they hand out fliers.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:25 am
Port Byron reversed their vote:
http://www.qconline.com/news/local/port-byron-reverses-june-vote-approves-prevailing-wage-ordinance/article_edecd7bb-7e8d-5614-80f0-ede543ac4a37.html
Comment by Bulldog58 Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:27 am
Suspending LGDF might be an appropriate response to breaking the law. You no likey the law, you no getta the money.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:28 am
“Union Thugs”. Yeah…that’s not inflammatory. I’m sure the city council wouldn’t mind being referred to as ‘Corrupt City Officials’ either.
What a bunch of goofs.
Comment by How Ironic Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:30 am
Time to campaign against these people and throw them off the city council. Businesses that do not support workers, should not be patronized by the people they harmed. Hold them accountable!
Comment by Taxman Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:30 am
1. The unions should not be encouraging a boycott of Port Byron businesses — I doubt the local businesses were even aware of this measure, and likely not culpable.
2. Correct me if I’m wrong… the Village likely will be hiring contractors for any projects… those contractors likely are still compelled to pay the prevailing wage regardless if Port Byron passes the ordinance or not.
Comment by Just Observing Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:30 am
I work with a lot of municipal bodies, and see a lot of goofy motions and votes, for a variety of goofy reasons. Based on what I read, same goes for GA.
Comment by illinoised Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:34 am
The Prevailing Wage Act authorizes a public body to conduct a minimum of two investigatory hearings to determine prevailing wage rates. If it chooses not to undertake this process, the public body can simply adopt the Illinois Department of Labor’s prevailing wage rates applicable for the county in which the public body is located.
In other words, if the public body believes the prevailing wage rates for its county established by the Labor Dept. are out of line, there is a process under Illinois law to change those rates. But it requires some work and most public bodies don’t want to do the work.
Comment by GOPGal Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:35 am
==Just did a quick check. As an example, a painter, under prevailing wage, in Coles County earns more than $46/hour.==
You must be including benefits, etc.?, because the following chart shows more in the $34.50 per hour range for painter wages in Coles County
https://www.illinois.gov/idol/Laws-Rules/CONMED/rates/2015/january/county.htm
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:38 am
Isn’t the local vote on prevailing wage largely symbolic? I’ve never understood why municipalities are required to take this vote when state statute already mandates local compliance. What am I missing?
Comment by veritas Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:39 am
so handbilling is a threat? um ok. So engaging in informational leafleting is some how akin to being a thug. I get it. yet local elected officials who just ignore the law is somehow understandable becuase they are unclear on the concept, or what they actually need to do.
Most people don;t even know how the rate is figured out.
Downstate, yea $46 for wages and benefits could be the rate. For those guys I don;t thinnk the $46 is all on the check as wages, unlike up here for a dozer operator
Comment by Todd Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:41 am
What 820 ILCS 130/9 states “… each public body shall, during the month of June of each calendar year, investigate and ascertain the prevailing rate of wages …”
There is nothing in the statute that says the municipality must use the DOL wage rate. If Port Byron wants to put together some other set of prevailing wage rates, all they have to do is certify to DOL what the rates are in the city.
Most public agencies use the DOL rates because they don’t want to do the leg work necessary to make the list and keep it up.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:41 am
I can see why the Illinois Review labeled these labor folks as a thugs after seeing this flier… Sans font is the most threatening type of font available.
Comment by Is it safe to come out now Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:42 am
Sounds like the unions are advocating a secondary boycott. Pretty sure that’s still illegal.
Comment by so... Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:43 am
I find it incredible that people who insist on making a decent wage to support their families & local businesses are often referred to as “thugs.”
Comment by greenie Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:45 am
yes, the actual wage is $34.50, but by the time a company - actually the cost to the taxpayers of IL is much higher, close to $80-$90/hr as companies still have to pay taxes, SS, etc on the employees that amount to about 33%, then add some profit, and you are at a much higher rate. I would say most folks in Coles Co. would love to have a package and benefits equally over $40/hr.
Comment by hatepolitics Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:45 am
Per 820 ILCS 130/6 they are guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. The DOL shall enforce the provisions of the act and the Attorney General shall prosecute such cases upon complaint of the DOL or any interested party.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:47 am
Some of these villages don’t understand that this is mandatory, and they must follow this law. It has been challenged and upheld by the ISC.
Comment by DuPage Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:47 am
Must think they are in Wisconsin.
Comment by tobor Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:48 am
Port Byron is in Rock Island County, where the prevailing wage for a painter is $27.82.
Comment by PolPal56 Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:52 am
Do we expect the Rauner DOL to take action to enforce the prevailing wage law?
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:53 am
Isn’t choosing to boycott something considered free speech? And wouldn’t notifying businesses of your intent to exercise your free speech also be considered as free speech. If that’s the case, what’s the problem? Those same businesses have the right to call upon the village trustees to correct to situation, if they created a problem that affects their business
Comment by Say It Ain't So!! Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:53 am
hatepolitics wrote:
– yes, the actual wage is $34.50, but by the time a company - actually the cost to the taxpayers of IL is much higher, close to $80-$90/hr as companies still have to pay taxes, SS, etc on the employees that amount to about 33%, then add some profit, and you are at a much higher rate. –
So. Much. Wrong.
First, why include the profit in calculating a wage? I can’t even fathom the thinking there.
Second, payroll taxes are not 33%. The employer’s share of payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare totals 7.65%. The rest comes from the employee’s $34.50 (or whatever the wage is). Likewise, withholding tax is withheld from the employee pay, i.e., the $34.50, so those taxes do not increase the amount spent by the employer.
I think it’s fair to add up to 50% for benefits and payroll taxes, but that means a $34.50 wage would cost about $51 — not $80-90 as hatepolitics suggests.
There is no need to exaggerate to make your point.
Comment by the Other Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:58 am
Last night McHenry County voted down PW. The vote was 9 in favor and 11 against.
Comment by Allen Skillicorn Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 11:59 am
Link
http://m.nwherald.com/2015/07/07/mchenry-county-board-again-rejects-prevailing-wage-ordinance/au36xg1/
Comment by Allen Skillicorn Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 12:01 pm
Ugh, hate politics, companies only have to pay SS tax on employees. So call it 8%. The additional things you include like profit, yes the customer pays that too, but you know what happens when wages go down? That profit margin goes up. Sure it might be slightly less expensive to not pay prevailing wage, but then you have to subsidize the workers wages with food stamps, free child care, medicaid etc. Overall I’m sure it’s a wash in the end, but by paying prevailing wage, less people in this state live in poverty. Generally that is thought of as a good thing, but you think even skilled tradesmen should be paid Walmart wages.
Comment by Me too Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 12:03 pm
Say it ain’t so, yes so long as they don’t set up a picket line they aren’t breaking the law.
Comment by Me too Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 12:07 pm
Doesn’t IL Law provide Employees on Port Byron Projects must still be paid Prevailing Wage ? Won’t Contractor still be liable and subject to back pay and penalties if Employees are not paid Prevailing Wage ? Wouldn’t a Contractor be Foolish to bid a Port Byron project at less than prevailing wage ?
Comment by x ace Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 12:15 pm
Thanks -HUH?- for the reference.
They could have done nothing with no vote and just used the Dept. rates.
(820 ILCS 130/9) (from Ch. 48, par. 39s-9)
If a public body does not investigate and ascertain the prevailing rate of wages during the month of June as required by the previous paragraph, then the prevailing rate of wages for that public body shall be the rate as determined by the Department under this paragraph for the county in which such public body is located.
Comment by Pete Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 12:16 pm
My handyman paints, does plumbing, electrical, flooring, etc. He charges $25 per hour. We are both satisfied.
Comment by Keyser Soze Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 12:34 pm
Pete and GOP Gal are correct. The adoption of a prevailing wage ordinance does nothing except trigger a publication and reporting requirement. The obligation to pay PW’s exists without any such ordinance.
Comment by Lycurgus Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 12:41 pm
No, it’s not even close to a wash in the end. At least 30% more. I suppose you think that the operators scale in several counties that requires a $17.80 per hour addition into retirement is a wash as well. Suppose that’s only about 5% more than what the average person puts in, I doubt it. I have no problem with a fair wage, I support them. But I also have common sense and realize some things are unsustainable.
Comment by Hatepolitics Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 12:49 pm
It really amazes me that more local elected officials aren’t aware that federal funds are often tied to specific wage requirements and that laws requiring a prevailing wage are linked to funds coming from the Federal government.
While it’s great that local governments want to control their labor costs, most local projects involve spending state and federal dollars.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 1:02 pm
Hatepolitics, so retirement for tradesmen is a luxury that can’t be afforded? Their bodies are worn out by 50. What, you expect them to do manual labor until they die? They also pay into their healthcare and retirement themselves, and plenty of businesses pay prevailing wage and have adapted to apprenticeship and training requirements without going union, yet they still get outbid. If your numbers are accurate, how’s that possible?
Comment by Me too Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 1:03 pm
As a village trustee I always voted against the annual prevailing wage ordinance. I was bad enough the State required this but then we had to waste money to publish the legal notice!
Comment by anon Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 1:29 pm
Okay - here’s the line from the Illinois website on Coles County Prevailing Wage. I understand the Base rate of $31/hour, and the h/w and Pension number. Does anyone know what OSA & OSH stand for? That adds another $3.50/hour (not including $8 and $14.50 for health/welfare and pension).
Trade Name RG TYP C Base FRMAN M-F>8 OSA OSH H/W Pensn Vac Trng
CARPENTER BLD 31.700 33.950 1.5 1.5 2.0 8.000 14.15 0.000 0.520
Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 1:41 pm
Boy Anon, it must be nice letting your colleagues on the village board wear the jacket for passing an ordinance required by law while you get to sit back and say you’re fighting for the taxpayers.
Comment by Tournaround Agenda Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 1:44 pm
We do projects with union-free labor and also under prevailing wage law. Prevailing wage projects are generally 30%+ more expensive PLUS require a completely unnecessary level of expensive overhead. Why should we taxpayers have to pay more than normal folks?
Comment by Jack Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 2:10 pm
Does anyone find it difficult to stomach that a painter’s prevailing wage is between 27.50/hr and 34.50/hr while the base pay for most first responders is less than $20/hr? Or how about that most law school graduates (7+ years of post-HS Education) make less than $25 an hour? (For references, specifically check the entry level salaries for Chicago Police Department (second highest paid in the state and IL Attorney General’s Office)
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 3:58 pm
===a painter’s prevailing wage is between 27.50/hr and 34.50/hr while the base pay for most first responders is less than $20/hr?===
Tradesmen and women don’t always work year-round, first of all.
And God forbid that a mere painter should be able to afford to send his kid to community college.
Sheesh.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 4:06 pm
Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 4:06 pm:
===a painter’s prevailing wage is between 27.50/hr and 34.50/hr while the base pay for most first responders is less than $20/hr?===
Tradesmen and women don’t always work year-round, first of all.
And God forbid that a mere painter should be able to afford to send his kid to community college.
Sheesh.
And a police officer shouldn’t?
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 4:08 pm
===And a police officer shouldn’t? ===
Who said that?
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 4:09 pm
Who said that?
Maybe I fail to understand your comment about a painter being able to afford to send his kid to community college on a PW of 27.50 to 34.50. Seems the purpose was to suggest that the PW paid is required to allow a painter to send a child to community college. If that’s a required wage for sending a child to community college for a painter wouldn’t that be the same requirement for any other person?
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 4:22 pm
Anon, you’re reaching. And you’re playing some sort of bizarre class warfare card here. Stop it.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 4:24 pm
—–Tradesmen and women don’t always work year-round, first of all.——–
Rich,
With all due respect you are correct. The union laborers in our area are lucky to work 6 months per year. Conversely, most of the union-free shops in our area haven’t had a lay-off in at least six years.
Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 4:27 pm
If Union people think prevailing wage is so good, why don’t they build their own homes with that wage rate? They don’t!
Comment by Local guy Wednesday, Jul 8, 15 @ 5:07 pm