News, Culture and NPR for Central & Northern Michigan
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
91.7FM Alpena and WCML-TV Channel 6 Alpena are off the air. Click here to learn more.

Michigan Supreme Court rules prevaling wage repeal must move forward

Flickr User MittenStatePhotog
/
https://flic.kr/p/57zJaU

The state Legislature could vote to repeal the prevailing wage law as early as next week. The Michigan Supreme court ordered the ballot measure to move forward today (Wed).

Prevailing wage requires union-level wages be paid on state funded construction projects.

The Board of State Canvassers is scheduled to meet on Friday. If it certifies the petition, the Legislature could vote on it. Otherwise, the measure goes to the ballot.

Opponents of repealing prevailing wage say it would bring in out of state contractors who don’t want to pay a fair wage.

Democratic Senator Curtis Hertel.

“So at the end of the day you have to decide whether you’re going to stand with Michigan workers and stand with Michigan residents or you’re going to stand with shady out of state contractors that are trying to bilk the system.”

People in favor of getting rid of prevailing wage say it would be easier on taxpayers’ wallets.