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SB 535

AN ACT EXCLUDING SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS FROM THE PREVAILING WAGE REQUIREMENT OR USE OF A PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Fazio and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill removes prevailing wage and project labor agreement requirements from school construction to reduce costs and increase contractor flexibility.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Education
#laborunions #prevailingwages #schoolbuildingprojects
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Bill Summary · SB 535

Legislative bill overview

SB 535 would exempt school construction projects in Connecticut from prevailing wage requirements and project labor agreement mandates. Currently, these projects must pay workers at predetermined wage rates and often require unions to be involved. This bill seeks to remove those obligations for school construction specifically.

Why is this important

School construction represents significant public spending, and prevailing wage rules substantially increase labor costs—potentially reaching 20-40% above market rates. Removing these requirements could lower construction costs and allow school districts to stretch limited budgets further, but could also affect worker compensation and benefits in the construction industry.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost savings vs. worker protections: Supporters argue lower wages reduce project costs; opponents contend prevailing wages ensure quality workers and prevent race-to-the-bottom labor standards
  • Union involvement: Construction unions oppose exemptions as they reduce bargaining power and membership; business groups support exemptions as reducing overhead
  • Equity across sectors: Questions about why schools would be exempted while other public works (roads, bridges) retain prevailing wage rules, or conversely, whether exemptions should apply universally

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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