Signed by Governor Tina Kotek

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires pay for electricians be equal to the pay in a union contract in parts of the state where there is a union contract and the union is the only one that speaks for electricians.

Highlights:

• Defines the term “electrical worker”, as an electrician, inside wireman, cable splicer, electrical welder, electrical material handler, lighting maintenance worker or limited energy electrician (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries to determine the prevailing rate of wage for workers in each trade, and shall make that information available at least twice each year (Sec. 1). 

• Establishes the prevailing rate of wage for a trade as the rate of wage set forth in a collective bargaining agreement for the trade or occupation in the locality (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that an applicable locality of a prevailing rate to be defined as the geographical area within which each local union is the exclusive representative for the local union’s membership (Sec. 1). 

• Establishes that if a collective bargaining agreement does not exist for a trade, than the commissioner shall determine the prevailing rate by conducting an independent wage (Sec. 1).  

• Authorizes a person to make reports and returns to the Bureau of Labor and Industries that the commissioner requires to determine the prevailing rates of wage (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that a commissioner may enter into a contract with a public or private party to obtain data and information the commissioner needs to determine the prevailing rate of wage (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes the act to take effect on the 91st day after the date on which the 2024 session adjourns (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text