What is the purpose of the Davis-Bacon Act?

What is the purpose of the Davis-Bacon Act?

• A. Establish minimum wage for all workers
• B. Protect unionized contractors from competition by nonunionized contractors
• C. Regulate work hours across all states
• D. Set maximum wage limits for construction jobs

Answer: (B)

The Davis-Bacon Act primarily aims to ensure that workers on federal and District of Columbia construction projects are paid local prevailing wage rates which are typically aligned with the rates established in union contracts. This legislation was enacted to protect local wage standards and limit the impact that lower-wage nonunion contractors could have on federal construction projects. By requiring a fair wage, the Act helps to promote labor standards and working conditions that are competitive regardless of union affiliation, thus maintaining a level playing field for contractors. The other choices do not accurately reflect the purpose of the Davis-Bacon Act. While it is associated with wage standards for construction workers, it does not establish minimum wage for all workers, regulate work hours across all states, or set maximum wage limits for construction jobs. The focus of the Act is specifically on ensuring that workers receive prevailing wages for the work performed on federal projects, rather than broadly addressing all aspects of wage regulation.

The Davis-Bacon Act primarily aims to ensure that workers on federal and District of Columbia construction projects are paid local prevailing wage rates which are typically aligned with the rates established in union contracts. This legislation was enacted to protect local wage standards and limit the impact that lower-wage nonunion contractors could have on federal construction projects. By requiring a fair wage, the Act helps to promote labor standards and working conditions that are competitive regardless of union affiliation, thus maintaining a level playing field for contractors.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the purpose of the Davis-Bacon Act. While it is associated with wage standards for construction workers, it does not establish minimum wage for all workers, regulate work hours across all states, or set maximum wage limits for construction jobs. The focus of the Act is specifically on ensuring that workers receive prevailing wages for the work performed on federal projects, rather than broadly addressing all aspects of wage regulation.