On today’s episode I speak with Frank Manzo from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute. 

We will start our conversation by understanding how Frank teamed up with academics at Oregon State University to co-author his report on the effect Prevailed Wage laws have on taxpayer funded construction projects in the state of Oregon.    

We will then look into some of the falsehoods that circulate around prevailed wage projects as we uncover the fact-based truths that empirical data and research can provide.

Later we’ll unpack how employing skilled labor that is paid a livable wage, not only, does not raise construction cost, but can actually work to lower the cost of building projects while creating strong ties and advancement opportunities within the local community.

And we will finish our conversation when Frank shares his thoughts as to how apprenticeship programs are crucial in bridging the ever-widening skills gap that is growing in our nation.

This episode shines a light on many of the misconceptions about what paying skilled trades professionals a fair wage and benefits can mean. 

It also addresses the importance of awareness and understanding that carpenters must have when electing state officials who make career enhancing or ending decisions, such as Prevailed Wage and Right to Work laws.

The Show Notes

Illinois Economic policy Institute
https://illinoisepi.org/

NW Labor Press Article on Oregon Prevailed Wage Jobs
https://nwlaborpress.org/2021/01/oregons-prevailing-wage-law-investigated/

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