The Michigan Court of Appeals says local governments can not make their own rules that require contractors to pay union-level wages.
The case challenged a Meridian Township policy that independent contractors must be paid at least the prevailing union wage for that region. But this victory for non-union construction firms could be short-lived.
Jimmy Greene is with the Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan. He says a lot might change next year when Democrats take over the Legislature.
“So what can be done, can be undone, so we’re just kind of playing defense.” said Greene.
And incoming Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks says restoring prevailing wage rules will be a priority next year as a matter of fairness for workers and using well-trained well-trained skilled labor on public projects.
