Definition of “Public Works”: The term is not explicitly defined in the statutory scheme. The state Department of Labor Standards determines whether prevailing wages must be paid for a specified project.
In addition, in projects by housing authorities that are not federally funded, architects, technical engineers, draftsmen, technicians, laborers and mechanics must be paid at least 80% of prevailing wages.
Categories of Construction Covered: Defined primarily at the occupation level. See https://www.mass.gov/doc/prevailing-wage-topical-index/download.
Source of Funds: Applies to employment of workers in the construction of public works by the commonwealth, or by a county, town, authority or district, or by persons contracting or subcontracting for such works.
State or Federal Wage Determination: View state prevailing wage schedules by town: https://pwa.eol.mass.gov/prevailingwage/ExampleWageRequest.aspx?wr=123.
Disclaimer: This information was published on August 1, 2021. Please contact Josh Levy, Eric Meier, Samantha Schacht or Michael Schrier for modifications made by Massachusetts since that date. Visit our 50-State Construction Law Map for information on other states.