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| New Minnesota law requires all contractors bidding on public projects verify that they obey labor law. |
New Minnesota law requires all contractors bidding on public projects verify that they obey labor law.
A “responsible bidder” bill was signed into law May 23 by Gov. Mark Dayton, requiring all contractors bidding on public jobs to comply with workplace laws and regulations, including workers’ compensation, wage and hour and overtime pay.
The bill was overwhelmingly passed by both houses of the Minnesota legislature with support from both parties.
“This is a good example of common sense legislation,” said Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council Business Manager Dan McConnell, a member of Local 292. “Just like in any field of work, there are standards that should be met.”
Under the bill, contractors hoping to work on taxpayer funded projects will have to submit a signed statement during the bidding process verifying that they have not violated state or federal labor laws.
“Contractors need to understand that just choosing the lowest bidder is not enough anymore and there will be sanctions if new rules aren’t followed,” said Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 Political Director Peter Parris.
The St. Paul-based labor blog Union Advocate points to recent scandals over public construction projects manned by law-breaking contractors:
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley signed similar legislation into law back in April, preventing contractors found guilty of breaking the law from receiving contracts from the state.
The legislation takes effect Jan. 1. 2015.
