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Government contracts can provide steady work, but they also come with strict rules about pay. When workers on publicly funded city or state projects are denied the wages they’re legally owed, class-action lawsuits for failure to pay prevailing wages have become an important way to hold contractors accountable.
what happens when those protections break down? When contractors or subcontractors underpay their crews, falsify payroll records, or misclassify employees to cut corners? These are known as public project pay violations — and they’re more common than many workers realize.
Prevailing wage laws are designed to ensure that workers on government-funded projects are paid fairly and in accordance with established wage rates for their trade and geographic area. Unfortunately, many employers disregard these requirements, leaving employees underpaid for their work.
Prevailing wage laws exist to ensure fair pay for workers employed on public construction and government-funded projects. These laws are designed to protect employees from being underpaid compared to others performing similar work in the same region. Yet, many workers aren’t sure whether they qualify for prevailing wage in the first place. Understanding when the law applies—and to whom—is essential to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you’ve earned.