Who determines prevailing wage classifications and rates, and what is the process?
Section 9 of the Prevailing Wage Act charges a public body (or IDOL upon the public body’s default of this right and duty) to investigate and ascertain the prevailing rate of wages on a countywide basis during June of each calendar year. Section 4 of the Act requires the public body (or IDOL, upon the public body’s request) to apply the wage rates ascertained under Section 9 to each contract that the public body undertakes. Section 2 of the Act defines the term, “public body,” to include the State and all of its political subdivisions. Section 4 further provides that IDOL may revise the rates and that the revisions shall apply to contracts of public bodies. Public bodies are responsible for notifying contractors and subcontractors of the revised rates. For more information, click here 820 ILCS 130/2, 4 and 9. The Illinois Attorney General issued an opinion addressing the procedure for investigating, finding, announcing, defending, and adjusting prevailing wage classification and rate d
