PREVAILING WAGE RATE LAWS

Bureau of Labor and Industries

A Handbook for Public Agencies, Contractors and Subcontractors in Oregon

2018 Edition

The Wage and Hour Division

BUREAU OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIES

Val Hoyle, Commissioner

To Our Readers

This book is prepared as a general summary and teaching guide to help public agencies, contractors and

subcontractors understand and comply with Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law. The information in this book

reflects legislative changes through the 2017 legislative session. Appendices include applicable Oregon

Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules, along with helpful contacts and other useful information.

The information in this book is not intended as legal advice. It is meant to be helpful when read in

conjunction with the prevailing wage rate statutes and rules. Oftentimes, applying prevailing wage rate law

in specific situations is very complex. Those wishing legal advice should contact an attorney and not rely on

this guide.

Those with general questions about the law may call or send a detailed written inquiry to the Bureau of Labor

and Industries (BOLI), Prevailing Wage Rate Unit.

The information in this book can be accessed on BOLI’s website, at www.oregon.gov/boli.

BOLI Offices

Prevailing Wage Rate Unit

800 NE Oregon St., #1045

Portland, OR 97232-2180

(971) 673-0838

Oregon State Relay 711

Regional Offices (no PWR staff)

Bend

WorkSource Bend

1645 NE Forbes Rd., #106

Bend, OR 97701

(541) 322-2435

Eugene

1400 Executive Pkwy, #200

Eugene, OR 97401

(541) 686-7623

Medford

119 N. Oakdale Ave.

Medford, OR 97501

(541) 776-6201

Salem

3865 Wolverine St., NE

Building E, Suite 1

Salem, OR 97305

(503) 378-3292

BOLI Website

www.oregon.gov/boli

Table of Contents

Oregon’s Prevailing Wage Rates 1

Advisory Committee 1

Prevailing Wage Rate Law Seminars 1

History of Oregon’s PWR Legislation 2

Projects Covered by PWR Laws 9

Definition of Public Works 9

Covered Activities 9

Demolition 10

Hazardous Materials Spills 10

Maintenance Contracts 10

Moving Contracts 10

Retainer Agreements 10

Travel Time 11

Warranty Work 11

Exemptions from the PWR Laws 11

$50,000 Threshold 11

No Use of Funds of a Public Agency 11

Privately Owned Projects Using Less Than $750,000 12

Privately Owned Residential Projects 12

Excluded Agencies and Workers 13

Joint Jurisdiction with Federal Government 13

Coverage Determination Requests 14

Multiple Wage Rate Determinations 14

How Prevailing Wage Rates Are Determined 16

Annual Surveys 16

Wage Rates and Work Classifications 16

Rate Books Published Twice Annually 16

Addition of Trade Classification to the Rate Book 16

Special Wage Determinations 16

How to Determine the Correct Rate of Pay 17

Projects Subject to State and Federal Laws 17

Public Agency Responsibilities 19

Planned Public Improvement Summary/Cost Analysis 19

Notice of Public Works 19

Prevailing Wage Fee 19

Contract and Contract Specification Requirements 20

Applicable Rates for Public Works Projects 21

Residential Projects and Rates 22

Ensuring a Payment Bond is Filed When Required 22

Withholding Retainage 22

Division of Public Works Projects Prohibited 23

Agreements with Agencies of Other States 23

A Checklist for Public Agencies 24

Public Contracting Requirements 24

Contractor and Subcontractor Responsibilities 25

Filing a Public Works Bond with CCB 25

Required Contract Language 25

Payment of Prevailing Wages 26

Employees with Multiple Classifications 26

Apprentices and Trainees 27

Owners, Managers, and Supervisors 27

Site of Work 28

Truck Drivers 28

Fringe Benefits 28

Payment of Prevailing Wage by Persons Other Than

Contractor or Subcontractor Prohibited 29

Wage Averaging 29

Overtime Requirements 29

Work Schedules 31

Required Postings 31

Certified Payroll 31

Withholding Retainage 32

Required Records 32

Annual Survey Requirements 32

Inspection of Records 33

A Checklist for Contractors and Subcontractors 33

Prevailing Wage Rate Law Enforcement 34

Agency Liability 34

Contractor Liability 35

Appendices

Appendix A: Computing the Allowable Hourly

Credit for Fringe Benefit Contributions 37

Appendix B: Contacts 41

Appendix C: Calculating Weighted Average Overtime 42

Appendix D: Oregon Revised Statutes 46

Appendix E: Oregon Administrative Rules 64

Oregon’s Prevailing Wage Rates

Oregon passed its prevailing wage rate (PWR) law, sometimes referred to as the “Little Davis-Bacon

Act,” in 1959. As the nickname implies, the Act is modeled after the federal “Davis-Bacon” prevailing

wage laws. Today, Oregon continues to update and refine its PWR law to reflect changes in the industry.

Oregon’s lawmakers designed PWR law, ORS 279C.800 et seq., to ensure that contractors compete on

their ability to perform work competently and efficiently while maintaining community established

compensation standards, to encourage the training and education of workers in industry skill standards

and to encourage employers to use the funds required by the PWR law for fringe benefits for the actual

purchase of such benefits. ORS 279C.805

The Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is responsible for administering and enforcing the PWR law

and for educating contractors, subcontractors and public agencies about its requirements.

This guide focuses on PWR requirements and BOLI enforcement. Underpaid employees as well as

contractors, subcontractors, or other interested parties may file complaints with BOLI’s Wage and Hour

Division, or file a civil suit for damages against a violator of the PWR law.

Advisory Committee

The labor commissioner appoints an advisory committee to assist in the administration of the PWR law.

This committee includes an equal number of management and labor members who are involved in

building and construction work on public works contracts. The commissioner may also appoint other

interested parties. ORS 279C.820

PWR Seminars

BOLI’s Prevailing Wage Rate Unit offers free seminars to help contractors, subcontractors and public

agencies stay in compliance with prevailing wage rate law. The seminar schedule can be accessed online

at www.oregon.gov/boli/whd/pwr/docs/pwrsched.pdf.

History of Oregon’s PWR Legislation

1959 Oregon enacts a State prevailing wage rate law to cover public works that are not covered by

Davis-Bacon regulations. Stated objectives are:

1. To assure quality workmanship on public works;

2. To discourage exploitation of workers; and

3. To encourage competition for contracts at the management skills level.

1969 Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law is amended to include fringe benefits.

1977 Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law undergoes a major revision, which, among other changes,

expands subject workers to include those paid on a salary or per diem basis, and provides

debarment for employers who willfully violate the prevailing wage rate statutes.

1981 Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law is amended to require public agencies to notify the

Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) of awarded contracts, and to allow the commissioner

to seek injunctions against employers without first receiving a wage claim.

1983 Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law is amended to include a provision that the public agency

may be held exclusively liable for unpaid prevailing wages in certain circumstances. In

addition, the law now provides that contractors may be debarred for intentional failure to

post the prevailing wage rates on the job site.

1991 Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law is amended to allow the losing bidder to recover at least

$5,000 from the winning bidder if it can be established that the winner has willfully violated

any one of several laws, including the prevailing wage rate law.

1994 Oregon voters reject Measure 12, which would have repealed Oregon’s prevailing wage rate

law.

1995 Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law is substantially amended by the 1995 legislature. The

statutes now include a declaration by the Legislative Assembly that the purposes of the

prevailing wage rate law are:

 To ensure that contractors compete on the ability to perform work competently and

efficiently while maintaining community established compensation standards;

 To recognize that local participation in publicly financed construction and family wage

income and benefits are essential to the protection of community standards;

 To encourage training and education of workers to industry skills standards; and

 To encourage employers to use funds allocated for employee fringe benefits for the

actual purchase of those benefits.

Changes to the law include an increase in the threshold for coverage from $10,000 to

$25,000; a prohibition against dividing public works projects to avoid compliance with the

PWR law; and the addition of a prevailing wage fee payable by contractors who contract

directly with a public agency. Fees are to be used to pay the costs of:

 State-conducted prevailing wage rate surveys,

 Educational programs, and

 Investigation and enforcement of the prevailing wage rate law.

Other changes to the law include the requirement that contract specifications and contracts

for public works include a provision stating the PWR fee shall be paid to BOLI; the addition

of an advisory committee to assist in administration of the PWR law; civil penalty authority

up to $5,000 for each violation of the prevailing wage rate law; contractors are no longer

required to submit copies of their certified payroll statements to BOLI (however, they are

still required to submit these reports to the public agency); and debarment of subcontractors

who fail to pay workers when workers’ wages are paid by the prime contractor.

1997 Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law is amended making public agencies’ liability joint and

several with any contractor or subcontractor for unpaid prevailing wages when the agency

fails to include required prevailing wage rate language in the advertisement for bids, request

for bids, contractor specifications, accepted bids, or elsewhere in the contract documents.

Other changes to the law include the amendment to the daily overtime statute to allow

employers to adopt work schedules of four ten-hour days on public works projects;

liquidated damages may be for an additional amount of wages equal to twice the unpaid

overtime wages if contractors have falsified the payroll records; and contractors must adopt a

written work schedule on public projects prior to the beginning of work.

The statute (ORS 279C.305) that requires public agencies to prepare and submit a list of their

planned public improvement projects to BOLI is amended.

The estimated project cost threshold for least cost comparison requirements when an agency

considers using its own employees as workers on a public works is increased from $50,000

to $125,000.

ORS 279C.815 (formerly 279.359) is amended to require that BOLI rely on the annual wage

survey in determining prevailing wage rates. It allows the commissioner to consider

additional information if it appears that the data derived from the wage survey alone is

insufficient to establish the prevailing wage rates.

1999 Oregon’s PWR law is amended to reapply portions of the PWR law to Oregon University

System contracts.

The notice of claim requirement against public works contractors’ bond is modified to allow

BOLI to include unidentified workers.

School district contracts with community foundations or nonprofit corporations are exempt

from prevailing wage rate law requirements under certain and specific conditions; sunsets

January 1, 2006.

Prevailing wage rate fees are allowed to be used for education programs on public

contracting and purchasing laws in addition to the prevailing wage rate law.

2001 Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law is amended to require contractors and subcontractors on

public works projects to prepare weekly certified payroll statements and submit them to the

public agency monthly, by the fifth business day of the month.

Public agencies are required to include a copy of the contractor’s disclosure of first-tier

subcontractors with the Notice of Public Works form submitted to BOLI.

ORS 279C.810 is amended by adding an exemption. Public work projects for which no

funds of a public agency are directly or indirectly used are exempt from the PWR law. BOLI

is required to adopt rules to carry out these provisions. The amendment specifies that “funds

of a public agency” does not include funds provided in the form of a government grant to a

nonprofit organization, unless the grant is issued for the purpose of construction; “nonprofit

organization” is defined.

2003 Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law is amended to exempt Oregon Youth Conservation Corps

(OYCC) members.

HB 2341 establishes a Public Contracting Code for public agencies within Oregon. The new

Code establishes three separate chapters to modernize and clarify public contracting

processes. The first chapter, ORS 279A, establishes an overarching policy for all contracting

activities. The second chapter, ORS 279B, covers most types of procurements, except for

public improvements, public works and architectural, engineering and related services,

which are covered in the third chapter, ORS 279C. The entire prevailing wage rate law is

contained within ORS 279C.

2005 Oregon’s PWR law is substantially amended by the 2005 legislature. Changes to the law

include an increase in the PWR threshold for coverage from $25,000 to $50,000; contractors

must pay the higher of state or federal rates on projects subject to both the state PWR law

and the federal Davis-Bacon Act; BOLI must compare state and federal prevailing wage

rates, determine which is higher for workers in each trade or occupation in each locality, and

make this information available twice each year; and public agencies must include in their

project specifications information showing which prevailing rate of wage, either state or

federal, is higher.

Other changes to the law include the requirement that all contracts, including subcontracts,

must contain a provision that workers shall be paid not less than the specified minimum

hourly rate of wage on projects subject to the PWR law; and all contractors and

subcontractors working on a public works project must file a $30,000 “public works bond”

with the Construction Contractors Board. This bond is to be used exclusively for unpaid

wages determined due by BOLI. Some exemptions from the requirement are provided for

certified disadvantaged, minority, women or emerging small business enterprises. In

addition, general contractors must verify that subcontractors have filed a public works bond

before permitting a subcontractor to start work on a project.

Project price is now defined to include, but is not limited to, the value of work performed by

persons paid by a contractor as part of the project. Project price does not include the value of

donated materials or work performed on a project by individuals volunteering to a public

agency. “Funds of a public agency” does not include building and development fees waived

or paid by the public agency, staff resources used for project oversight or coordination, or

staff resources used for the design or inspection of the project.

Finally, public agencies and general contractors must withhold 25 percent of amounts earned

by contractors if certified payroll reports are not submitted as required.

2007 The definition of “public works” in ORS 279C.800(6)(a) is amended to include in addition to

roads, highways, buildings, structures and improvements of all types, the construction,

reconstruction, major renovation or painting of which is carried on or contracted for by any

public agency to serve the public interest:

 A project for the construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting of a privately

owned road, highway, building, structure or improvement of any type that uses funds of

a private entity and $750,000 or more of funds of a public agency; or

 A project for construction of a privately owned road, highway, building, structure or

improvement of any type that uses funds of a private entity and in which 25 percent or

more of the square footage of the completed project will be occupied or used by a public

agency.

The definition of “funds of a public agency” is amended to exclude, among other things, tax

credits or tax abatements, or money from the sale of bonds that are loaned by a state agency

to a private entity, unless the money will be used for a public improvement.

If a public works project is of the type described in ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(B) or (C) (a

privately owned project with $750,000 or more of funds of a public agency or in which 25

percent or more of the square footage will be occupied or used by a public agency), the

Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries will divide the project if appropriate so

that any part of the project that does not include funds of a public agency and that will not be

occupied or used by a public agency will not be subject to the PWR law. If a project

includes parts that are owned by a public agency and parts that are owned by a private entity,

the commissioner will divide the parts of the project that are not public works from those

that are subject to the PWR law if appropriate.

Projects for residential construction that are privately owned and that predominately provide

affordable housing are exempted from the PWR law.

BOLI is required to make coverage determinations upon request about whether projects or

proposed projects are or would be subject to the PWR law. The requestor or anyone

adversely affected or aggrieved by the determination may request a hearing.

The applicable prevailing rates of wage for a public works project may be incorporated into

the specifications by referring to the electronically accessible or Internet-accessible rates,

and by providing adequate information about how to access the rates.

When a public works project is subject to the Davis-Bacon Act, if the public agency fails to

include the state and federal prevailing rates of wage in the specifications for the contract, or

fails to include in the specifications information showing which prevailing rate of wage is

higher, the public agency will be liable to each affected worker for any unpaid difference

between the applicable higher rate of wage and the lower rate of wage. The public agency

will also be liable for an additional amount equal to the amount of unpaid wages as

liquidated damages.

When a public works project is subject to the Davis-Bacon Act, BOLI must:

 Use the federal definition and interpretation of “site of work;”

 Use the federal guidelines for whether workers transporting materials and supplies to and

from the site of the project are due the prevailing rate of wage;

 Apply the federal standard to workers enrolled in skill training programs that are

certified by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation under the Federal-Aid Highway Act.

The PWR fee, previously required to be paid by contractors, is now required to be paid by

public agencies. The minimum fee is increased to $250 and the maximum fee is increased to

$7,500. The increased minimum and maximum amounts sunset on January 1, 2011.

BOLI is required to develop and adopt a plan to increase diversity statewide among workers

employed on public works projects.

Certified disadvantaged, minority, women or emerging small business enterprises may elect

not to file a public works bond with Construction Contractors Board (CCB) for up to four

years after certification.

Contractors and subcontractors may elect not to file a public works bond with CCB when

working on a public works project for which the total project cost does not exceed $100,000.

2009 Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law is amended to include a provision that a contractor or

subcontractor may be debarred (ineligible to receive public works contracts or subcontracts

for three years) if BOLI determines the contractor intentionally falsified certified payroll

statements.

The bond Notice of Claim deadline is extended from 120 days to 180 days after the person

last performed labor or furnished materials. The bond Notice of Claim deadline for fringe

benefit claims is extended to 200 days.

Employers are required to pay PWR wages on the employer’s regularly established and

maintained paydays.

Public agencies are prohibited from entering into an agreement with another state, or a

political subdivision of another state, that allows a contractor or subcontractor to pay less

than the prevailing rate of wage on a public works project.

The amount of the PWR fee is permanently adjusted to 0.1 percent (one-tenth of one

percent) of the contract price, with a minimum fee of $250 and a maximum fee of $7,500.

The PWR fee is due at the time the Notice of Public Works form is submitted to BOLI.

The requirement for certified payroll reports is amended to include the gross amount of

wages earned per week, rather than the gross amount of wages paid per week, as not all

employers pay wages on a weekly basis.

2010 The 2010 Special Legislative Session amends the definition of “public works” so that

effective January 1, 2011, the construction or installation of solar radiation devices on

publicly-owned property will be subject to the prevailing wage rate laws, regardless of the

total project cost or whether funds of a public agency are used on the project.

2011 Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law is amended to remove the requirement that BOLI

compare state and federal prevailing wage rates and publish information showing which

prevailing rate of wage is higher for use on projects subject to both the state PWR law and

the federal Davis-Bacon Act.

The required language provisions are modified for projects subject to both Oregon’s PWR

law and the federal Davis-Bacon Act. For such projects, the specifications and every

contract and subcontract must provide that the workers must be paid not less than the higher

of the applicable state or federal prevailing rate of wage.

2013 Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law is amended to allow a member or manager of a limited

liability company that commits certain violations of the PWR regulations to be added to the

list of those persons ineligible to receive a public works contract.

The definition of “public works” is amended to include the construction, reconstruction,

major renovation or painting of a road, highway, building, structure or improvement of any

type that occurs on Oregon University System property or on property an institution within

the Oregon University System owns, regardless of whether the project uses funds of a public

agency.

2015 The definition of “public works” in Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law is amended so that a

project that uses $750,000 or more of funds of a public agency for constructing,

reconstructing, painting or performing a major renovation on a road, highway, building,

structure or improvement of any type will be subject to the prevailing wage rate law,

regardless of whether the project is privately owned, or whether the project uses funds of a

private entity.

The statutes regarding public universities listed in ORS 352.002 (ORS 352.138) are

amended so that the prevailing wage rate law will apply to an agreement under the terms of

which a private entity constructs, reconstructs, renovates or paints an improvement on real

property owned by a public university listed in ORS 352.002, or by a not-for-profit

organization or other entity that a public university listed in ORS 352.002 owns or controls

exclusively.

2016 The 2016 Special Legislative Session amends the prevailing wage rate law so that, effective

January 1, 2017, a contractor or subcontractor, or an agent of a contractor or subcontractor,

may not intentionally:

 Fail to pay an employee the appropriate prevailing wage rate;

 Reduce an employee’s regular wage rate to offset the prevailing wage rate;

 Unlawfully withhold, deduct, or divert any portion of an employee’s wages;

 Enter into an agreement with an employee under the terms of which the employee

performs work on a public works project at less than the prevailing rate of wage; or

 Otherwise deprive an employee, permanently or indefinitely, of prevailing wages due in

an amount that equals or exceeds 25 percent of wages due or $1000 in a single pay

period, whichever is greater.

Any intentional violation of the above would constitute a Class C felony for which the

Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries may pursue through a civil action or

referral to a district attorney or the Attorney General for prosecution.

2017

Oregon’s prevailing wage rate law is amended to require a business that is within its first

four years of certification as a disadvantaged business enterprise, a minority-owned

business, a woman-owned business, a business that a service-disabled veteran owns, or an

emerging small business to have a public works bond on file with the Construction

Contractors Board before starting work on a public works project if the Bureau of Labor and

Industries finds that the business has violated the PWR laws.

The required language provisions are modified so that every subcontract awarded in

connection with a public works contract must require the subcontractor to have a public

works bond on file with the Construction Contractors Board, unless the subcontractor is

exempt from the public works bond requirement.

Oregon prevailing wage rate law is amended to clarify factors BOLI may consider in

determining whether a public works should be divided and prohibits anyone, not just public

agencies, from dividing a public works project into more than one contract to avoid

prevailing wage rate laws.

New legislation establishes that failure to pay fringe benefits and failure to pay the

prevailing wage rate are separate violations.

ORS 279C.305, part of the public contracting code, is modified. Contracting agencies are

required to perform a least-cost analysis on projects when the estimated value of the

contracting agency’s own equipment or personnel exceeds $200,000 (or exceeds $125,000 if

the public improvement is to resurface highways, roads or streets at a depth of two or more

inches). The contracting agency must file the analysis with BOLI not later than 180 days

before construction begins on the public improvement. Construction contractors, or trade

associations that represent construction contractors, may file a complaint with BOLI alleging

a contracting agency has violated ORS 279C.305 with respect to a public improvement that

a contractor was eligible to construct. A filing fee of $250 is required in order to submit a

complaint. BOLI may impose a civil penalty up to $5,000 for a violation, or up to $20,000

if BOLI finds the contracting agency willfully violated ORS 279C.305.

Which Projects Are Covered by the PWR Law?

To be subject to the PWR law, a project must meet the definition of the term “public works.” ORS

279C.800(6)(a) and OAR 839-025-0004(20)(a)

________________________

Definition of “Public Works”

The term “public works” includes, but is not limited to, roads, highways, buildings, structures and

improvements of all types, the construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting of which is

carried on or contracted for by a public agency to serve the public interest. ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(A)

The term also includes:

 Projects for the construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting of a road, highway,

building, structure or improvement of any type that uses $750,000 or more of funds of a public

agency. ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(B)

 Projects for the construction of a privately owned road, highway, building, structure or improvement

of any type that uses funds of a private entity and in which 25 percent or more of the square footage

of the completed project will be occupied or used by a public agency. ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(C)

 The construction or installation on public property of any device, structure or mechanism that uses

solar energy, regardless of the total project cost or whether the project uses funds of a public agency.

ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(D)

 The construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting of a road, highway, building, structure

or improvement of any type that occurs, with or without using funds of a public agency, on real

property that a public university listed in ORS 352.002 owns. ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(E)

The public universities listed in ORS 352.002 are the University of Oregon, Oregon State University,

Portland State University, Oregon Institute of Technology, Western Oregon University, Southern

Oregon University, and Eastern Oregon University.

The PWR law does not regulate the reconstruction or renovation of privately owned property that a

public agency leases. However, if the project includes new construction on such property, such as adding

square footage or constructing something outside the framework or footprint of the existing structure,

such a project, including both the reconstruction/renovation and the new construction, may be subject to

the PWR regulations under ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(A), (B) or (C). ORS 279C.800(6)(b)(A); OAR 839-

025-0004(20), (23)

________________________

Covered Activities

PWR coverage is determined by the type of work performed on the project, not by what a contract is

called. For example, if a project includes covered activities, such as rewiring a major portion of a

building, and meets the other jurisdictional requirements of the PWR law, the entire project is covered.

Any person employed on a public works project whose duties are manual or physical in nature is a

worker required to be paid the applicable prevailing wage rate. OAR 839-025-0004(33)

Types of work included in the definition of “public works” that are subject to the PWR law:

Construction

Construction includes the initial construction of, or the addition to, buildings, structures, and roads.

OAR 839-025-0004(5)

Reconstruction

Reconstruction includes the restoration of existing buildings and the restoration, rebuilding or

resurfacing of existing roads. OAR 839-025-0004(22)

Major Renovation

Major renovation includes any remodeling or alteration of existing structures or roads that costs more

than $50,000. OAR 839-025-0004(11)

Painting

If a painting project meets the other jurisdictional requirements of the PWR law, the project will be

subject to the law.

Other types of work or contracts that may be subject to the PWR law:

Demolition

The PWR law covers demolition work if it is to prepare for planned construction or renovation.

Additionally, if the demolition includes other work activities that constitute construction, reconstruction,

renovation or painting, the demolition will be covered under the law.

Hazardous Materials Spills

The PWR law covers the clean up of hazardous materials spills if the project includes construction,

reconstruction, renovation or painting. The PWR law does not cover projects that only include picking

up and hauling away hazardous materials.

Maintenance Contracts

General maintenance work, such as sweeping, cleaning, and landscaping, is not covered unless it is done

as part of a construction, reconstruction, major renovation, or painting project. For example, the PWR

law does not apply if maintenance landscaping work such as mowing or pruning is performed on the

grounds of an existing building where no other work is being performed. If the same landscaping is part

of a major building renovation, however, then it is covered work.

Maintenance work such as repairing or replacing a roof or recarpeting part of a building is considered to

be reconstruction work. If a project involving this type of work meets the other jurisdictional

requirements of the PWR law, the project will be subject to the law.

Moving Contracts

When moving takes place before, during or after a construction, reconstruction, major renovation, or

painting project that is subject to the PWR law, the moving contract will also be subject to the PWR law,

and the workers must be paid the prevailing rate of pay for the type of duties being performed on the

project site. For example, if a new building is constructed and the project is subject to the PWR law, the

work to move furniture and materials into the new building will be subject to the PWR law, as well. This

work is necessary to complete the building, and must be considered part of the overall construction

project.

Retainer Agreements

Public agencies often enter into retainer agreements, sometimes called “on-call contracts,” that span one

or more years for the performance of maintenance and repair activities that may include construction,

reconstruction, major renovation, or painting. Frequently these services are to be provided at multiple

agency-owned facilities or locations. Even if none of the individual work orders or “on-call” work

events performed under the contract exceed the $50,000 threshold, the contract is subject to the PWR law

if the total contract price exceeds the threshold. Whenever a public agency enters into a contract that

exceeds $50,000 and includes a covered activity (i.e., construction, reconstruction, major renovation or

painting), the entire contract is subject to the PWR law.

For example, a county may enter into a retainer agreement for highway maintenance wherein the scope

of work includes activities such as sealing cracks in the pavement, filling potholes, repairing culverts,

fixing fences, repainting traffic lanes, etc., which have been determined to be covered activities as

defined in OAR 839-025-0004. If these maintenance duties are contracted out and the contract value is

over $50,000, the contract would be subject to the PWR law. Additionally, any other work done in

support of that contract would also be covered.

Travel Time

Employees are due prevailing wages for travel time when they are traveling between the work site and a

dedicated pit, tool yard or another covered site. If employees are otherwise entitled to travel time

(traveling from job site to job site during the workday, for example), then the employer must pay that

time at an agreed-upon rate which is at least minimum wage.

If travel time is compensable time, and if the travel time is related to a public contract, the hours of travel

time will count toward daily overtime. For more information, see the Overtime Requirements under the

Contractor Responsibilities section of this book.

Warranty Work

If work done on a project subject to the PWR law is covered by a warranty, all work done under that

warranty will also be subject to the PWR law. This is the case even if the warranty is contracted

separately from the construction contract.

________________________

Exemptions from the PWR Law

A project may meet the definition of the term “public works,” but if one of the following exemptions

applies to the project, the project will not be subject to the PWR law.

 Projects Costing $50,000 or Less

Except for the construction or installation on public property of any device, structure or mechanism that

uses solar energy, the PWR law does not apply to projects costing $50,000 or less. This amount is based

on the cost of the entire project, not individual contracts. The total project cost includes the value of

work performed by every person paid by a contractor or subcontractor for the person’s work on the

project. The price of a project also includes all materials and supplies, if purchased specifically for the

project.

The total project cost does not include the value of donated materials or work performed on the project

by individuals volunteering to the public agency without pay. ORS 279C.810(2)(a); ORS

279C.800(6)(a)(D); OAR 839-025-0100(1)(a)

If a project begins with a total project cost under $50,000, but change orders increase the project cost to

more than $50,000, the entire project will be subject to the PWR law, including all work already

performed on the project. OAR 839-025-0100(1)(a)

 Projects That Do Not Use Funds of a Public Agency

Generally, the PWR law does not apply to projects for which no funds of a public agency are directly or

indirectly used. The exceptions to this are for the construction or installation on public property of any

device, structure or mechanism that uses solar energy, and for the construction, reconstruction,

renovation or painting of an improvement by a private entity on real property owned by a public

university with a governing board or by a not-for-profit organization or other entity that a public

university with a governing board owns or controls exclusively. ORS 279C.810(2)(b); ORS

279C.800(6)(a)(D) and (E); ORS 352.138(4)(b); OAR 839-025-0100(1)(c)

“Directly used” funds of a public agency include:

 Revenue, money or that which can be valued in money collected for or in the custody and control of

a public agency;

 Money loaned by a public agency, including the loan of proceeds from the sale of conduit or pass-

through revenue bonds, for the specific purpose of financing a project; and

 Public property or other assets used as payment for all or part of a project. OAR 839-025-

0004(9)(a)(A)

“Indirectly used” funds of a public agency means the public agency ultimately bears the cost of all or

part of the project; such indirectly used funds include:

 Amortizing the cost of construction over the life of a lease and paying these costs with funds of a

public agency during the course of the lease;

 The public agency subsidizing the costs of construction that would normally be borne by the

contractor;

 Using insurance proceeds that belong to a public agency to pay for construction; and

 Using or creating a private entity as a conduit for funding a project when the private entity is in fact

an alter ego of the public agency. OAR 839-025-0004(9)(a)(B)

“Funds of a public agency” does not include:

 Funds provided in the form of a government grant to a nonprofit organization, unless the government

grant is issued for the purpose of construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting;

 Building and development permit fees paid or waived by the public agency;

 Staff resources (employees) of the public agency used to manage a project or to provide a principal

source of supervision, coordination or oversight of a project;

 Staff resources (employees) of the public agency used to design or inspect one or more components

of a project;

 Tax credits or tax abatements;

 Land that a public agency sells to a private entity at fair market value;

 The difference between the fair market value of land and the value of that land after taking into

account any requirements, restrictions or other limitations, exclusive of zoning or land use

regulations, the public agency imposes on the development or use of the land;

 The value added to land as a result of a public agency’s site preparation, demolition or remediation,

except for the value added in excess of the expenses the public agency incurred in doing such work;

 Money derived from the sale of bonds that are loaned by a state agency to a private entity, unless the

money will be used for a public improvement;

 Bonds or loans from the proceeds of bonds issued in accordance with ORS chapter 289 or ORS

441.525, unless the bonds or loans will be used for a public improvement. ORS 279C.810(1)(a);

OAR 839-025-0004(9)(b)

 Privately Owned Projects That Use Less Than $750,000 in Funds of a Public Agency

and for Which Less Than 25% of the Square Footage Will Be Occupied by a Public

Agency

The PWR law does not apply to projects that are privately owned, that use funds of a private entity, in

which less than 25 percent of the square footage of the completed project will be occupied or used by a

public agency, and for which less than $750,000 of funds of a public agency are used. ORS

279C.810(2)(c); OAR 839-025-0100(1)(d)

 Privately Owned Residential Projects That Provide Affordable Housing

The PWR law does not apply to privately owned residential construction projects that predominately

provide affordable housing. Generally, “residential construction” projects are projects for the

construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting of a single family house or an apartment

building of no more than four stories in height. “Affordable housing” means the occupants’ incomes are

no greater than 60 percent of the area median income, or no greater than 80 percent if the occupants are

owners. “Predominately” for affordable housing means at least 60 percent of the project is designated for

affordable housing. Affordable housing can be considered “privately owned” even if it is owned by a

public agency, as long as it is leased to a private entity for 50 years or more, or if the affordable housing

is owned by a partnership, as long as the public agency is not a majority owner in the partnership. ORS

279C.810(2)(d); OAR 839-025-0100(1)(e)

________________________

Excluded Agencies and Workers

Excluded Agencies

The PWR law does not apply to contracts with certain public agencies, although other wage-related

regulations often apply. In most cases, the exemption from the law is found in the contracting agency’s

statutes or in ORS 279A.025, rather than the Prevailing Wage Rate statutes. It is important to note that

the PWR exemption applies only if the contract is with the agency itself; the exemption does not apply to

funds of the exempt public agency when used to fund other projects. For example, while the Oregon

State Lottery Commission is exempt, a project is not exempt merely because it is funded with lottery

money.

While Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) is generally exempt from ORS Chapter 279, OHSU

must ensure that prevailing wages are paid to workers. Additionally, construction, reconstruction, major

renovation or painting that OHSU performs or contracts to perform in connection with the OHSU Cancer

Institute Project is subject to the PWR laws. OL Ch. 121, Sec. 27, 2014

Excluded Workers

It is not necessary to pay prevailing wages to inmates of the Oregon Department of Corrections assigned

to a work release program when working on covered projects, or to inmates working for Oregon

Corrections Enterprises on PWR projects. It is also not necessary to pay prevailing wages to Oregon

Youth Conservation Corps members when working on covered projects. OAR 839-025-0100(2)

When a public works project is subject to the federal Davis-Bacon Act, Oregon’s prevailing wage rate

law does not apply to workers enrolled in skill training programs that are certified by the United States

Secretary of Transportation under the Federal-Aid Highway Act (23 U.S.C. 113(c)). ORS 279C.838(5)

________________________

Joint Jurisdiction with Federal Government on Some Projects

When a project is subject to regulation under the state PWR law and uses federal funds that require

compliance with the federal Davis-Bacon Act, the project will be subject to both the state PWR law and

the federal Davis-Bacon Act at the same time. This is the case even if the project is funded solely with

federal funds, because once federal funds are in the custody and/or control of a public agency, they

become “funds of a public agency” as defined in the PWR law.

On non-residential projects subject to both state and federal prevailing wage laws, contractors must pay

the higher of the state or federal prevailing wage rates to workers. ORS 279C.838; OAR 839-025-

0035(2)

On “residential construction” projects subject to both state and federal prevailing wage laws, contractors

may generally pay the federal residential rates, unless there is no published wage rate for a specific

classification. (See page 22 for more information on “residential construction” projects.) OAR 839-025-

0037

While most requirements of the state PWR law apply to projects subject to both state and federal

prevailing wage laws, there are a few areas in which the federal requirements take precedence. For

projects subject to both state and federal prevailing wage rate laws, BOLI will follow federal guidelines

for the term “site of work” and for when prevailing wages are due to delivery personnel. (See page 28

for more information.) ORS 279C.838(2) and (3)

BOLI will also apply the federal standard to workers enrolled in skill training programs that are certified

by the United States Secretary of Transportation under the Federal-Aid Highway Act. ORS 279C.838(5)

________________________

Coverage Determination Requests

When requested to do so by a public agency or other interested party, the Commissioner of the Bureau of

Labor and Industries will issue a coverage determination about whether a project or proposed project is

or would be a public works project. The requests must be submitted to BOLI in writing, must describe

all the relevant details of the project or proposed project, and must be accompanied by all documents,

records or other information necessary for the commissioner to make the determination. In addition, if

the coverage determination request is not submitted by a public agency, the party submitting the request

to BOLI must also submit a copy of the request to any public agency associated with the project.

Once BOLI has issued the determination, the requestor or anyone adversely affected by the

determination may request reconsideration of the determination or a hearing.

More information about how to submit a coverage determination request, as well as previous coverage

determinations issued, can be found on BOLI’s website at www.oregon.gov/boli. ORS 279C.817; OAR

839-025-0005

________________________

Multiple Wage Rate Determinations

Some public works projects may involve more than a single construction type. For example, one project

may consist of the construction of one building of residential units and one building of commercial

space. On such a project, the commissioner may authorize residential wage rates to be paid for work

performed in connection with the construction of the residential building, and non-residential prevailing

wage rates to be paid for work performed in connection with the construction of the commercial

building.

Requests for authorization to use multiple wage determinations on a project must be submitted to BOLI

in writing, and must include all relevant details of the project or proposed project.

If the commissioner authorizes multiple wage rate determinations to be used on a project, continued use

of the determinations is contingent upon compliance with all of the following:

 The project/contract specifications must clearly delineate the portions of the project subject to each

applicable wage rate determination;

 All applicable wage rate determinations must be posted in a conspicuous and accessible location at

the site of work, with an explanation of the portions of the project to which each wage rate

determination applies;

 The developer or prime contractor must establish adequate controls to ensure that all workers on the

project are paid in accordance with the applicable wage rates; and

 Each and every contractor employing workers on the project must prepare, submit and maintain

accurate time and payroll records to demonstrate compliance with all wage rate determinations

applicable to the project. OAR 839-025-0038

How Prevailing Wage Rates Are Determined

Annual Surveys

BOLI uses data collected from an annual survey to set the state prevailing wage rates. The agency sends

wage surveys to contractors and subcontractors in all 14 regions of the state to find out what they are

paying to different types, or classifications, of workers. If the survey results do not provide enough

information to determine the prevailing wage rates, then the agency considers other information,

including prevailing wage rates determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. ORS 279C.800; ORS

279C.815

Wage Rates and Work Classifications

The prevailing practice of an industry determines how work is classified. Wage rates for each

classification are listed as a base rate and an hourly fringe rate, and it is the combination of these two

amounts that must be paid to the worker. Rates are determined for a number of classifications. It is

important to note that it is the work performed by the employee, not the worker’s title or qualifications,

that determines which classification applies.

Rate Books Published Twice Annually

BOLI publishes the state prevailing wage rates twice a year, and periodically updates them to reflect

revisions to labor agreements or other changes. These publications can be found on BOLI’s website at

www.oregon.gov/boli.

State law requires public agencies to include the applicable prevailing wage rates in the contract

specifications of covered projects, and requires all contractors and subcontractors to post them at all

PWR job sites. ORS 279C.830(1); ORS 279C.840(4)

Generally, the applicable prevailing wage rates are those in effect at the time the initial specifications are

first advertised for bid solicitations. (See pages 21-22 for more information on applicable rates.) OAR

839-025-0020(6)(b)

Addition of Trade Classification to the Rate Book

The PWR law requires the submission of a written request to add a trade to the prevailing wage rate

determinations. Anyone may request the consideration of an additional classification by writing to the

PWR Coordinator, Prevailing Wage Rate Unit, Wage and Hour Division, 800 NE Oregon Street #1045,

Portland, OR 97232. The request must include the name of the proposed trade, the minimum education

required, a description of the skills required and the tools used.

Occasionally the classification process calls for a complete study of the proposed trade. The bureau’s

PWR coordinator conducts the study and makes recommendations to the commissioner. OAR 839-025-

0006

Special Wage Determinations

Sometimes public contracting agencies require the use of a trade not normally included in the wage

determinations. If a planned public works project requires a trade that does not have an established

classification or rate, the public agency may submit a written request to BOLI for consideration. This

request must describe the work to be done and identify the requested trade. If BOLI agrees that a special

determination is needed, it works with the agency to conduct a wage survey. The agency conducts the

survey and submits the results to the PWR coordinator. This data is used to help the commissioner

establish the appropriate classification and rate. OAR 839-025-0007

How to Determine the Correct Rate of Pay

To determine the correct rate of pay for workers on covered projects, agencies, contractors and

subcontractors need to refer to the booklet titled Prevailing Wage Rates for Public Works Contracts in

Oregon. Prevailing wage rate booklets are published twice a year, usually in January and July.

Amendments to the rates are generally published twice a year, usually in April and October.

Projects Subject to State Law Only

To find the correct rate of pay on projects subject to Oregon’s PWR law, use the following steps:

1. When was the project first advertised for bid?

Generally, the rates in effect at the time the bid specifications are first advertised are those that apply

for the duration of the project. (See pages 21-22 for more information on applicable rates for a

project.)

2. What type of work is the worker performing?

Using BOLI’s Definitions of Covered Occupations booklet, find the definition that most closely

matches the actual work being performed by the worker. If you have any questions about work

classifications, contact BOLI at the number below.

3. Where is the work being performed – in which region?

Find the occupation in the correct region pages associated with the county where the project

construction is taking place.

4. Is there a rate listed next to the classification?

If so, use it. The rate is made up of an hourly base rate plus an hourly fringe rate. It is the

combination of the base rate plus the fringe rate that is due the worker on an hourly basis. (See

Appendix A in this book for information on how to calculate allowable hourly credits for employer

contributions to benefit plans.)

5. If the region page directs you to “See Appendix,” go to the back of the book and use the rate

listed in the Appendix pages. The rate is made up of an hourly base rate plus an hourly fringe rate.

It is the combination of the base rate plus the fringe rate that is due the worker on an hourly basis.

This rate may include a group number, shift differential, hazard pay, and/or zone pay. Shift

differentials, hazard pay, and zone pay are added to the base rate and are included in overtime

calculations.

6. Apprentices must be paid the full fringe rate in those regions where the appendix rate does not apply.

However, if the book directs you to “See Appendix,” and the worker is registered in a bona fide

apprenticeship program, you may contact BOLI at (971) 673-0839 for the applicable hourly fringe

rate. These fringe rates are also posted on BOLI’s website at www.oregon.gov/boli.

7. If you still need help, CALL BOLI at (971) 673-0839.

Projects Subject to State and Federal Laws

ORS 279C.838 requires the higher of either the state prevailing wage rates or federal Davis-Bacon rates

to be paid to workers on non-residential projects in Oregon subject to both the state PWR law and federal

Davis-Bacon Act. To find the correct rate of pay on such projects, use the steps listed above to find the

correct state prevailing wage rate, then compare the state rate to the appropriate rate from the applicable

federal wage determination. The worker must be paid the higher of the two rates.

Apprentices being paid the federal prevailing wage rate must be paid hourly fringe benefits in

accordance with the provisions of the apprenticeship program. If the apprenticeship program does not

specify fringe benefits, apprentices must be paid the full amount of hourly fringe benefits listed in the

Davis-Bacon wage determination.

For assistance in finding the applicable federal wage determination for the project, check with the

project’s public agency. The federal wage determinations can also be found online at www.wdol.gov.

If you need help comparing the state and federal prevailing wage rates, CALL BOLI at (971) 673-

0839.

Public Agency Responsibilities

Public agencies must comply with a host of legal contracting requirements. This guide covers only those

requirements related to the PWR law. The Oregon Attorney General’s Public Contracts Manual has

information about other statutes, rules and guidelines that apply to public contracting.

Planned Public Improvement Summary

An agency must submit to BOLI a list of public improvements it plans to fund during the coming budget

period. The agency must submit the list at least 30 days before it adopts a budget, and should revise the

list if its plans change. The list must state whether the public agency intends to perform the construction

through a private contractor.

Public Improvement Project Cost Analysis

If an agency plans to use its own personnel or equipment to perform construction work on a public

improvement and the estimated value of the public agency’s personnel or equipment exceeds $200,000,

or exceeds $125,000 if the public improvement involves the resurfacing of highways, roads or streets at a

depth of two or more inches, the public agency must file with BOLI an analysis that shows the decision

to use the public agency’s personnel or equipment conforms to the policy that public agencies shall make

every effort to construct public improvements at the least cost to the public agency. The analysis must

be submitted to BOLI at least 180 days before construction begins on the public improvement. For more

information on this requirement, see ORS 279C.305. Once filed, all documents are public records.

Filings should be made with the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit, Wage and Hour Division, Bureau of Labor

and Industries, 800 N.E. Oregon Street #1045, Portland, Oregon 97232. Forms are available for

providing this information (WH-118 and WH-119); they can be found in the back of every PWR rate

book and on BOLI’s website at www.oregon.gov/boli. ORS 279C.305; OAR 839-025-0008

Notice of Public Works

Agencies are required to notify BOLI within 30 days after awarding any public works contract subject to

PWR law. Agencies must provide BOLI’s Notice of Public Works form (WH-81), and include a copy of

the disclosure of first-tier subcontractors submitted by the contractor to the public agency pursuant to

ORS 279C.370. These must be provided to the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit, Wage and Hour Division,

Bureau of Labor and Industries, 800 N.E. Oregon Street, #1045, Portland, Oregon 97232.

When a project is a public works project of the type described in ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(B), (C), (D) or (E)

(i.e., a public works project for which no public agency awards a construction contract), the public

agency that enters into an agreement to provide funds, occupy or use the project, or allow construction to

occur on public property must submit the WH-81 form to BOLI. The form is due at the time the agency

enters into an agreement for the project. ORS 279C.835; OAR 839-025-0013

Prevailing Wage Fee

On all projects subject to the PWR law, the public agency must pay a fee to BOLI’s PWR Unit for every

contract awarded to a contractor. The amount of the fee due is one-tenth of one percent (.001) of the

contract price; however, there is a minimum fee of $250 and a maximum fee of $7,500. The fee is due at

the same time the public agency submits the Notice of Public Works (WH-81) form. If a public agency

awards multiple contracts on a single project, a fee is due for each contract awarded. The public agency

must submit a Public Work Contract Fee Information form (WH-39) with payment of the fee. This form

can be found in the back of all PWR rate books, and also on BOLI’s website at www.oregon.gov/boli.

BOLI issues a Certificate of Payment as proof of payment.

The public agency must submit a Fee Adjustment form (WH-40) to BOLI within 30 days of the final

progress payment after completion of the contract when change orders increase or decrease the original

contract by $100,000 or more. If the fee would change by $100 or more, the public agency must pay any

additional fee and submit the adjustment form. If BOLI owes the public agency a refund, the bureau

issues it once the adjustment form is processed.

If a contract does not have a “hard” bid amount, the public agency should base the initial fee on the

guaranteed maximum. Once the project is complete, the public agency may file an adjustment form that

reflects the actual cost of the project. If there is no guaranteed maximum amount, the agency must make

a good faith estimate of the contract price and calculate the fee based on this estimated amount. ORS

279C.825; OAR 839-025-0200 et seq.

When a project is a public works project of the type described in ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(B), (C), (D), or

(E), (i.e., a public works project for which no public agency awards a construction contract), the public

agency that enters into an agreement to provide funds, occupy or use the project, or allow construction to

occur on public property must pay a PWR fee to the PWR Unit. The amount of the fee is based on the

total project amount. If the total project amount is not known, the public agency must base the fee on the

guaranteed maximum amount of the project or must make a good faith estimate of the contract price. If

multiple agencies commit funds or will occupy or use the space, if not otherwise previously agreed upon

by the agencies, the fee will be pro-rated proportionately based on the amount of funds provided or the

space occupied or used by each agency. OAR 839-025-0230

Contracts and Contract Specifications Require Specific Provisions

Public agencies must include certain items in the contract specifications and in the contracts for projects

subject to the PWR law.

Specifications for contracts must include:

 A provision stating the applicable prevailing wage rates, including any appropriate amendment. (See

pages 21-22 for information about applicable rates for public works projects.) A statement

incorporating the rates by reference will satisfy this requirement, but the reference must include the

title and date of the publication that applies, and the date of any amendment that applies. ORS

279C.830(1)(a); OAR 839-025-0020(6) and (7)

 A provision that the contractor and every subcontractor must have a public works bond filed with the

Construction Contractors Board before starting work on the project, unless exempt. ORS

279C.830(2)(a); OAR 839-025-0020(6)(e)

On projects subject to both Oregon’s PWR law and the federal Davis-Bacon Act, specifications for

contracts must also include:

 A requirement that the contractor pay the higher of the applicable state or federal prevailing rate of

wage. ORS 279C.830(1)(b); OAR 839-025-0020(6)(c)

Contracts must include:

 A provision that workers must be paid not less than the applicable prevailing rate of wage in

accordance with ORS 279C.838 and 279C.840. ORS 279C.830(1)(c); OAR 839-025-0020(5)(a)

 A provision that if the contractor fails to pay for labor and services, the agency can pay for them and

withhold these amounts from payments to the contractor. ORS 279C.515; OAR 839-025-0020(2)(a)

 A provision that the contractor must pay daily, weekly, weekend and holiday overtime as required in

ORS 279C.540. ORS 279C.520(1); OAR 839-025-0020(2)(b)

 A provision that the employer must give written notice to the workers of the number of hours per day

and days per week they may be required to work. ORS 279C.520(2); OAR 839-025-0020(2)(c)

 A provision that the contractor must make prompt payment for all medical services for which the

contractor has agreed to pay, and for all amounts for which the contractor collects or deducts from

the worker’s wages. ORS 279C.530; OAR 839-025-0020(2)(d)

 A provision that requires the contractor to have a public works bond filed with the Construction

Contractors Board before starting work on the project, unless exempt. ORS 279C.830(2)(b)(A);

OAR 839-025-0020(3)(a)

 A provision that requires the contractor to include in every subcontract a provision requiring the

subcontractor to have a public works bond filed with the Construction Contractors Board before

starting work on the project, unless exempt. ORS 279C.830(2)(b)(B); OAR 839-025-0020(3)(b)

On projects subject to both Oregon’s PWR law and the federal Davis-Bacon Act, contracts must also

include:

 A requirement that the contractor pay the higher of the applicable state or federal prevailing rate of

wage. ORS 279C.830(1)(b); OAR 839-025-0020(6)(c)

Public agencies are jointly and severally liable for any unpaid prevailing wages unless they have

included a statement in the contract documents, such as the contract, specifications or the advertisement

for bid, that all workers must be paid the applicable prevailing wage rate. ORS 279C.855(3); OAR 839-

025-0080(4)

If a public works project is subject to the Davis-Bacon Act but the public agency fails to include the state

and federal prevailing rates of wage in the specifications, or fails to provide in the contract that workers

on the public works must be paid not less than the higher of the applicable state or federal prevailing rate

of wage, and the workers on the project are paid the lower rather than the higher prevailing wage rate,

the public agency is liable to the workers for the difference between the lower and the higher rate, plus

an equal amount as liquidated damages, for every hour worked. ORS 279C.855(4); OAR 839-025-

0080(6)

Applicable Rates for Public Works Projects

Generally, the applicable prevailing wage rates for a public works project are those in effect at the time

the initial specifications are first advertised for bid solicitations by the public agency. The rates in effect

at that time are the rates that are to be used for the duration of the project.

Additional provisions exist for determining the applicable rates for the following:

 Projects Subject to Both State and Federal PWR Laws

If the project is subject to both the state prevailing wage rate law and the federal Davis-Bacon Act, the

public agency may opt to use the federal method described in 29 CFR 1.6 to establish the applicable state

prevailing wage rates for the project. OAR 839-025-0020(6)(d)

 Projects Using a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC)

When a public agency uses a CM/GC on a public works project, the CM/GC will generally perform

various pre-construction tasks such as design phase development, constructability reviews and cost

estimating. A guaranteed maximum price for completion of the construction-type work is typically

established by amendment of the initial contract after the pre-construction tasks are complete. The

CM/GC then typically acts as the General Contractor and begins the subcontracting process. Use of a

CM/GC to manage public works projects for a public agency does not relieve the agency or the CM/GC

of their responsibilities under the prevailing wage rate regulations.

The rates in effect at the time the CM/GC contract becomes a public works contract are the applicable

rates to be used for the duration of the project. The CM/GC contract becomes a public works contract

either when the contract first constitutes a binding and enforceable obligation on the part of the CM/GC

to perform or arrange for the performance of construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting,

or when the CM/GC contract enters the construction phase, whichever occurs first.

For example, the CM/GC will have a binding and enforceable obligation to perform or arrange for the

performance of construction after the public agency and CM/GC commit to the guaranteed maximum

price. The CM/GC contract enters the “construction phase” when the agency first authorizes the

performance of early construction-type work directly related to the public works project. OAR 839-025-

0020(8)

 Public/Private Projects

For projects that meet parts (B), (C), (D), or (E) of the definition of “public works” (i.e., projects on

which no public agency awards a construction contract), the applicable rates are those in effect at the

time the public agency first enters into an agreement with a private entity for the project. After that time,

the specifications for any contract for the public works shall include the applicable prevailing rate of

wage. ORS 279C.830(1)(e)

Residential Projects and Rates

BOLI has modeled its definition of “residential construction” after the U.S. Department of Labor’s

definition of such projects. Generally, residential construction projects are projects for the construction,

reconstruction, major renovation or painting of a single family house or apartment building of no more

than four stories in height. The residential project includes all incidental items associated with the

project, such as site work, parking areas, utilities, streets and sidewalks. OAR 839-025-0004(24)(a)

BOLI does not survey or publish residential rates, so residential construction projects as defined in OAR

839-025-0004(24) and subject to Oregon’s PWR law generally use the federal residential Davis-Bacon

wage rates. These rates can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor’s website, www.wdol.gov. The

federal residential rates apply to residential construction projects subject to Oregon’s PWR law, even if

the project is not subject to the federal Davis-Bacon Act. However, if the federal residential rate for a

particular trade or classification is ever less than Oregon’s minimum wage rate required by ORS

653.025, no less than Oregon’s minimum wage must be paid to the worker.

In some instances, there are no applicable federal residential wage rates for certain trades or

classifications. If a wage rate is needed on a residential project subject to both state and federal

prevailing wage rate law, a request for a special wage rate determination should be submitted according

to the federal requirements in Title 29 CFR, Part 5.5(a)(1)(ii)).

If a wage rate is needed on a residential project that is subject only to Oregon’s PWR law, the public

agency must submit a request for a special wage rate determination to BOLI at least 15 days prior to the

date the specifications for the project are first advertised. If a public agency fails to request a special

wage rate determination as required, the rates in the applicable BOLI rate book will apply to those trades

or classifications for which there is no applicable federal residential rate. OAR 839-025-0037

Ensuring a Payment Bond is Filed When Required

The public agency should verify that the contractor files a payment bond or posts another security when

required pursuant to ORS 279C.380 and 279C.390. If the agency fails to do so, it is jointly liable with

the contractor for any unpaid prevailing wages. The agency may pay any claims for unpaid labor and

deduct the amount of the claims from the amount it pays the contractor. ORS 279C.625

Withholding Retainage

In addition to any other retainage obligated by the Public Contracting Code, the PWR law requires public

agencies to withhold 25 percent of any amount earned by the prime contractor if the prime contractor

does not turn in its certified payroll reports each month. Once the certified payroll reports have been

submitted, the public agency must pay the 25 percent withheld within 14 days. ORS 279C.845(7); OAR

839-025-0010(5)

BOLI Prohibits Dividing Projects to Avoid PWR

Public agencies may not divide a project to avoid compliance with the PWR law. ORS 279C.827; OAR

839-025-0310

BOLI treats separate contracts for the same project as a single project for PWR purposes and may issue

an order compelling the violating agency to treat the contracts as a single project.

The bureau looks at a number of factors to decide if separate contracts actually constitute a single

project, such as:

 The physical separation of project structures;

 Whether a single public works project includes several types of improvements or structures;

 The anticipated outcome of the particular improvements or structures the agency plans to fund;

 Whether the structures or improvements are similar to one another and combine to form a single,

logical entity having an overall purpose or function;

 Whether the work on the project is performed in one time period or in several phases as components

of a larger entity;

 Whether a contractor or subcontractor and their employees are the same or substantially the same

throughout the particular project;

 The manner in which the public agency and the contractors administer and implement the project;

 Other relevant matters as may arise in any particular case.

If a public works project is of the type described in ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(B) or (C), the Commissioner of

the Bureau of Labor and Industries will divide the project if appropriate, considering the above factors,

so that the parts of the project that do not include public funds or that will not be occupied or used by the

public agency will not be subject to the PWR law.

Additionally, if a project includes parts that are publicly owned and parts that are privately owned, the

commissioner will divide the project if appropriate, considering the above factors, so that the parts of the

project that are privately owned are not subject to the PWR law. Interested parties must submit a

coverage determination request to BOLI when considering such a division of a project. ORS 279C.827;

OAR 839-025-0310; ORS 279C.815

Agreements with Agencies of Other States

A public agency in Oregon is prohibited from entering into an agreement with another state, or a political

subdivision of another state, that allows a contractor or subcontractor to pay less than the applicable

prevailing wage rate on a public works project. ORS 279C.829

________________________

A Checklist for Public Agencies

Required:

 Submit the Planned Public Improvement Summary (WH-118) to BOLI prior to each budget period.

 Submit the Public Improvement Project Cost Analysis (WH-119), if applicable, to BOLI at least 180

days before beginning construction.

 Include the prevailing wage rates, public works bond requirement and other required language in the

contract and the contract specifications.

 Submit the Notice of Public Works form (WH-81) and copy of the disclosure of first-tier

subcontractors to BOLI within 30 days after awarding the contract.

 Submit the PWR fee and Public Works Fee Information form (WH-39) to BOLI for every public

works contract awarded, within 30 days after awarding the contract or committing funds to the

project.

 Verify that the agency has not contracted with any of the contractors on BOLI’s current List of

Contractors Ineligible to Receive Public Works Contracts. This list of debarred contractors is on

BOLI’s website at www.oregon.gov/boli.

 Require that the contractor has a payment bond or has obtained a cashier’s check or certified check,

unless exempt.

 Withhold 25 percent of any amount earned by the prime contractor if the prime contractor fails to

submit its certified payroll reports as required.

Suggested:

 Verify that the project manager has knowledge of construction and worker classifications.

 Verify that subcontractors know that the job is a prevailing wage rate job.

 Verify that none of the subcontractors working on the project are on BOLI’s current List of

Contractors Ineligible to Receive Public Works Contracts.

 Confirm that the correct prevailing wage rates and the details of any benefit plans are conspicuously

posted on the project site.

 Verify that all contractors and subcontractors are using the correct work classifications.

 Confirm that all contractors and subcontractors are filing complete and accurate certified payrolls,

and are paying employees the correct prevailing wage rate.

Public Contracting Requirements

For information about public contracting requirements that fall outside of the PWR law, see the Oregon

Attorney General’s Public Contracts Manual.

Contractor and Subcontractor Responsibilities

Filing a Public Works Bond with Construction Contractors Board

Contractors and subcontractors must file a $30,000 public works bond with the Construction Contractors

Board (CCB) before beginning work on a public works project. The public works bond must provide

that the contractor or subcontractor will pay claims ordered by the bureau to workers on public works

projects. Unlike other required payment and performance bonds, the public works bond remains in

effect continuously and covers all public works projects worked on during the duration of the bond.

ORS 279C.836(1)

Before allowing a subcontractor to start work on a public works project, the contractor must ensure the

subcontractor has filed a public works bond with the CCB. This information can be found on CCB’s

website at www.oregon.gov/ccb (under the Contractor License Search section). ORS 279C.836(2)

Any person that is required to pay prevailing wages on a public project must file a public works bond

with the CCB. This is the case even if the employer does not have a CCB license. For example, non-

construction companies such as temporary employment agencies are not required to have a CCB license,

but if they employ workers on a public works project, they will have to pay those workers the

appropriate prevailing wage rate and will therefore be required to file a public works bond with the CCB.

ORS 279C.836(4)

An exemption from this requirement is allowed for a certified disadvantaged business enterprise,

minority-owned business, woman-owned business, a business that a service-disable veteran owns, or an

emerging small business enterprise, for the first four years of certification. Such an enterprise must

provide the CCB with written notification of its certification, and must complete the CCB’s exemption

form. In addition, when the business enterprise is the prime contractor, it must notify the public agency

that a public works bond has not been filed by the business enterprise. When the business enterprise is a

subcontractor, it must notify the prime contractor that a public works bond has not been filed by the

business enterprise. ORS 279C.836(7)(a) and (c)

If a certified business as described above meets the requirements for exemption from the public works

bond, but BOLI finds the business to have violated the prevailing wage rate law, the business will be

required to file a public works bond with the CCB before beginning work on a public works project.

ORS 279C.838(7)(b)

Contractors and subcontractors working on a public works project with a total project cost of $100,000

or less may elect not to file a public works bond with CCB. This $100,000 threshold amount is for the

total project cost, not for an individual contract amount. For example, if a subcontractor has an $8,000

contract on a project with a total cost of $120,000, the subcontractor must file a public works bond with

CCB before beginning work on this project. ORS 279C.836(8), ORS 279C.810(2)(a)

In some cases of emergency, if declared in accordance with rules adopted under ORS 279A.065, the

requirement for filing a public works bond with CCB may be excused. ORS 279C.836(9)

Public works bond forms can be found on BOLI’s website at www.oregon.gov/boli. Other forms, such

as non-construction company and exemption forms, can be found on CCB’s website at

www.oregon.gov/ccb.

Required Contract Language

Every contract and subcontract must contain a provision that states the workers will be paid not less than

the applicable prevailing wage rate for the type of work being performed. ORS 279C.830(1)(c); OAR

839-025-0020(5)(a)

If the project is subject to both the state prevailing wage rate law and the federal Davis-Bacon Act, every

contract and subcontract must contain a provision that states the workers must be paid not less than the

higher of the applicable state or federal prevailing rate of wage. ORS 279C.830(1)(d); OAR 839-025-

0020(5)(b)

Every contract and subcontract must contain a provision that requires any subcontractor to have a public

works bond filed with Construction Contractors Board before starting work on a public works project,

unless the subcontractor is exempt from the bond requirement. ORS 279C.830(2)(b) and (c); OAR 839-

025-0020(3) and (4)

________________________

Payment of Prevailing Wages

Contractors and subcontractors must pay workers on public works projects no less than the applicable

prevailing rate of wage for the type of work they perform. ORS 279C.840; OAR 839-025-0035(1)

A “worker” is defined as a person whose duties are manual or physical in nature, including those workers

who use tools or who are performing the work of a trade, as distinguished from a person whose duties are

mental, professional or managerial. OAR 839-025-0004(33)

Except for “public works” projects under ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(B), (C), (D), and (E), projects that use a

Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC), and some projects that are subject to both state and

federal PWR laws, the rates in effect at the time the initial specifications are first advertised for bid

solicitations are the rates that apply for the duration of that project. OAR 839-025-0020(6)(b) (See pages

21-22 for more information regarding applicable rates on public works projects.)

When a non-residential public works project is subject to both the state and federal prevailing wage rate

laws, contractors and subcontractors must pay the higher of either the state or federal prevailing wage

rates for the type of work being performed. ORS 279C.838; OAR 839-025-0035(2)

If a project meets the definition of “residential construction” in OAR 839-025-0004(24), and the public

agency has established the residential rates for the project, contractors may pay the federal residential

wage rates to workers. These rates can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor’s web site,

www.wdol.gov. However, if the applicable federal residential rate is lower than Oregon’s minimum

wage, contractors must pay workers not less than the state minimum wage. When there is no applicable

federal residential rate for a particular trade or classification being used on the project, the public agency

must request a special wage rate. If the public agency does not request a special wage rate, the

contractor must pay the appropriate state prevailing wage rate found in BOLI’s PWR rate book

publication. OAR 839-025-0037

Contractors and subcontractors are in compliance with prevailing wage rate (PWR) requirements if the

amounts paid to the employee in wages and in qualified fringe benefits meet or exceed the total of the

base and fringe benefits rates published in the rate book. For example, if the base rate is $20 per hour

and the fringe rate is $4 per hour, and the employee works eight hours a day, Monday through Friday, the

employee is entitled to $960 [($20/hour x 40 hours) + ($4/hour x 40 hours)].

The employer can satisfy this obligation by paying $960 in wages to the employee, or $600 in wages to

the employee and $360 to a fringe program, or $700 in wages and $260 in fringe benefits – or any other

similar combination of wages and fringe benefits.

Employees with Multiple Classifications

Employees who perform more than one classification of work must be paid the applicable prevailing

wage rate for the time spent working in each classification. It is the employer’s responsibility to track

separately the hours spent by each employee doing each job classification, and to report them separately

on the certified payroll. If this is not done, the employee must be paid for all hours worked at the highest

rate the employee earned that week.

Apprentices and Trainees

Bona fide apprentices and trainees may be paid a percentage of the hourly base prevailing wage rate

according to the term in which the apprentice or trainee is working in the program. To be a bona fide

apprentice or trainee:

 The apprentice or trainee must be registered with either BOLI’s Apprenticeship and Training

Division or the federal Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training;

 The apprentice or trainee must be performing work within his or her trade;

 The apprentice or trainee must be working in the correct ratio to the number of journey workers on

the project, as specified in the program standards; and

 The employer must be a registered training agent. OAR 839-025-0004(1), (29), and (30); OAR 839-

025-0035(9) and (10); OAR 839-025-0060; OAR 839-025-0065

If apprentices or trainees are not working within the correct ratio to the number of journey workers on

the project, as specified in the program standards, all apprentices or trainees must be paid the full

prevailing wage rate for the time they are working out of ratio. OAR 839-025-0035(9) and (10)

Apprentices and trainees generally must be paid the full fringe benefit portion of the prevailing wage

rate. However, in trades where apprentices or trainees customarily receive only a portion of the hourly

fringe benefit amount, registered apprentices or trainees may be paid the fringe benefit rate according to

the prevailing practice in the region in which they are performing work. In other words, if the applicable

prevailing wage rate for the apprentice or trainee is found in the Region pages of BOLI’s rate book, the

apprentice or trainee must be paid the full fringe amount shown. If the applicable prevailing wage rate

for the apprentice or trainee is found in the Appendix section of BOLI’s rate book, the apprentice or

trainee may be paid less than the full fringe shown if it is the prevailing practice for that trade and that

region. A spreadsheet showing the hourly fringe rate owed to such apprentices and trainees can be found

on BOLI’s website at www.oregon.gov/boli. OAR 839-025-0040(2)

If zone pay or other premium pay, such as a shift differential, is required for the classification in which

the apprentice or trainee is working, the full hourly zone pay and/or premium pay must be paid to the

apprentice or trainee for each hour worked on the project site.

If the program standards under which the apprentice is working require a higher rate of pay than the

applicable prevailing wage rate, the training agent must pay the apprentice the appropriate rate as

required by the program standards.

Owners, Managers, and Supervisors

The requirement to pay the applicable prevailing rate of wage may apply to owners, managers and

supervisors. If owners, managers or supervisors perform manual labor for more than 20 percent of their

overall workweek, then all time spent performing labor on a public works project that week must be paid

at the applicable prevailing rate of wage for the type of work performed during those hours, and those

hours must be reported on the certified payroll. On the other hand, if owners, managers or supervisors

spend 20 percent or less of their overall workweek performing manual labor, they do not need to be paid

prevailing wages that week, nor do their hours worked on a public works project that week need to be

reported on the certified payroll. OAR 839-025-0035(3) and (4)

For example, if a supervisor works 42 hours one week, and during that week spends a total of nine hours

performing manual labor on either public or private projects, the supervisor will have spent 21.4 percent

of the workweek performing labor. Therefore, if some or all of the nine hours were spent performing

manual labor on a public works project (or on several public works projects), the supervisor must be paid

the appropriate prevailing wage rate for those hours of work.

For information on “owner/operators” of trucks, see page 28.

Site of Work

Contractors and subcontractors must pay prevailing wages for work done at the site of work. The site of

work is the physical place where the construction called for in the project contract will remain after the

work is complete.

For purposes of Oregon’s PWR law, site of work also includes pits, batch plants, tool-yards and similar

locations that are within a reasonable distance of the structure. Any such locations established after the

project was first advertised for bid are considered “dedicated” and are part of the site of work. Even if

the pit, batch plant or tool-yard was opened before the first advertisement, it is part of the site of work if

it is dedicated or nearly so to the PWR project. Work performed on a dedicated site must be paid at the

appropriate prevailing wage rate, as does the drive time between the dedicated site and the project site.

OAR 839-025-0004(25); OAR 839-025-0035(5), (6), and (7)

On public works projects that are subject to the Davis-Bacon Act, pits, batch plants, tool-yards and other

locations will only be considered “dedicated” to the project if they are adjacent or virtually adjacent to

the project site, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. ORS 279C.838(2)

Truck Drivers

Truck drivers, parts runners and other delivery personnel working for contractors and subcontractors are

generally not due the prevailing rate of wage for delivery to and from the site of work. However, if

driving takes place on the site of work, or if these workers are engaged in performing other manual work

at the work site, the applicable prevailing wage rate must be paid to the workers for time spent on site.

For enforcement purposes, truck drivers performing delivery for a construction contractor or

subcontractor must be paid prevailing wages if they perform 15 minutes or more of driving or other work

at the work site. OAR 839-025-0004(33); OAR 839-025-0035(7)

Truck drivers performing delivery for a commercial supplier are not generally due prevailing wages for

incidental work performed on the project site. These workers are due prevailing wages only if they

spend more than 20 percent of their time during a workweek engaged in work on the project site. OAR

839-025-0035(6)

A commercial supplier who enters into a construction contract on a PWR project is a construction

contractor for purposes of the law and must comply with the law as it applies to construction contractors.

On public works projects that are subject to the Davis-Bacon Act, delivery personnel are not due

prevailing wages unless they spend more than an incidental amount of time engaged in work on the

project site. For enforcement purposes, an incidental amount of time is generally considered to be more

than 20 percent of the workweek. ORS 279C.838(3)

The PWR law does not apply to “owner-operators” of trucks. Drivers who own and operate their own

trucks and who are independent contractors do not need to be paid prevailing wages for the time spent

driving their own trucks. Operators of other equipment or motor vehicles are not exempt.

Fringe Benefits

Employers may claim credit for bona fide fringe benefits they provide to their employees. The

employer’s contribution must be made for the benefit of the employee, must not be required by law, and

must be made on a regular basis (at least quarterly). Plans that provide for delayed vesting or have

eligibility requirements are “bona fide” if they meet the other requirements. Safety training, drug testing,

state industry council contributions, trade promotion funds, equipment costs, travel pay, per diem

payments and workers’ compensation insurance do not qualify as fringe benefits. Oregon law now

requires employers to provide paid sick leave under certain circumstances. When paid sick leave is

required by law, it will not qualify as a fringe benefit. See Appendix A for more information on when

paid sick leave may qualify as a fringe benefit. ORS 279C.800(1); OAR 839-025-0004(8)

Examples of Bona Fide Fringe Benefits

 Health and welfare plans

 Vacation plans

 Pension plans, in some cases

 Apprenticeship training

See Appendix A for more information on fringe benefits and their required qualifications, and for

instructions on how to calculate the amount that may be credited for payments into fringe benefit

programs.

When reporting fringe benefit credits on certified payroll reports, these must be listed separately for each

employee, by plan name, showing the hourly credit taken for each plan.

Payment of Prevailing Wage by Persons Other than Contractors or Subcontractors

The law forbids any third party to pay any portion of the prevailing wages owed. This most often occurs

in “market targeting” plans. Exception: Government agencies may pay a portion of the prevailing wages

pursuant to a bona fide worker training or retraining program, and sureties and public agency are not

prohibited from paying prevailing wages owed to workers. However, when a third party such as a

surety, public agency or prime contractor pays prevailing wages owed on behalf of a contractor or

subcontractor, BOLI may impose civil penalties against the non-paying contractor or subcontractor, and

may place the non-paying contractor or subcontractor on a list of companies who are ineligible to work

on public works projects for a certain period of time. ORS 279C.840(6); ORS 279C.860(1)(b) and (c);

OAR 839-025-0320

Wage Averaging

The PWR law also bans wage averaging. Wage averaging is lowering workers’ wages on non-PWR jobs

to compensate for higher rates contractors or subcontractors pay on jobs subject to the prevailing wage

rate laws. ORS 279C.840(7); OAR 839-025-0330

________________________

Overtime and Work Schedules

Overtime Requirements

Generally, on projects subject to the PWR law, overtime is due on a daily basis, after eight hours per day,

Monday through Friday. This is the case even if the employee has not worked 40 hours in the

workweek.

If an employee works an established schedule of four ten-hour days on a PWR covered project, overtime

may not be due until after ten hours per day. To have an established “four-ten” schedule, the four days

of work must be consecutive and must fall within Monday and Friday; therefore, an employee could

work a four-ten schedule of either Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday. ORS

279C.540; OAR 839-025-0050

An employer may change an employee’s established work schedule, but only if the change is intended to

be permanent and is not designed to evade the PWR overtime requirements. For example, an employee

working on a Monday-through-Thursday four-ten schedule cannot switch to a Tuesday-through-Friday

schedule for one week and still maintain the four-ten schedule that week. Additionally, an employee

working on a four-ten schedule on a PWR project cannot work on private projects on days outside of the

four-ten schedule and still maintain the four-ten schedule that week. If an established four-ten schedule is

not followed, overtime will be owed for all hours worked over eight per day that week. OAR 839-025-

0034

Regardless of the work schedule an employer establishes on a PWR covered project, workers must be

paid overtime for all hours worked on Saturdays, Sundays, six legal holidays (New Year’s Day,

Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day), and for hours

worked over 40 in a week. If one of the legal holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the preceding

Friday or following Monday becomes the recognized holiday and all hours worked on that day on a

PWR covered project must be paid at an overtime rate. ORS 279C.540; OAR 839-025-0050

The overtime rate is 1.5 times the hourly base rate, plus the hourly fringe rate. Although the fringe rate

does not have to be paid at time and one half, it must be paid for all hours worked, including overtime

hours. Overtime should be paid using the following equation:

(hourly base rate x 1.5) + hourly fringe rate

If hourly shift differential, hazard pay, or zone pay is due, that amount is added to the base rate, and the

following equation should be used:

((hourly base rate + premium pay) x 1.5)

+ hourly fringe rate

If an employee earns more than one base rate of pay for the day/week, then the daily/weekly overtime

owed, in addition to the regular straight time wages, is based on a weighted average of the hourly base

rates earned. OAR 839-025-0050(2)(b)

Examples of how to calculate overtime are in OAR 839-025-0050(2)(c) and Appendix C of this

handbook.

If work such as travel time or shop time is compensable time, and if the travel or shop time is related to a

public contract, the hours of travel and/or shop time will count toward daily overtime. For example, an

employee on a “five-eight” schedule works the following hours during one day:

Drive time from shop to PWR project – ½ hour

Work on PWR project – 8 hours

Drive time from PWR project to shop – ½ hour

Work in shop related to PWR project – 1 hour

This employee worked 10 hours this day, and all the work is related to the public contract for the PWR

project. Therefore, the employee is due two hours of overtime at the daily weighted average rate. The

drive time and shop hours can be paid at an agreed rate rather than at a prevailing wage rate, as the hours

are not worked on the PWR project site. However, in this example, both drive time and shop hours count

toward daily overtime. ORS 279C.540(1), OAR 839-025-0050(2)(b)

If a collective bargaining agreement applies and has different overtime provisions, the provisions in the

bargaining agreement will govern. ORS 279C.540(4)

The overtime provisions of ORS 279C.540 do not apply to contracts with public universities listed in

ORS 352.002. Overtime on such projects is due only after 40 hours in the workweek. Public

universities listed in ORS 352.002 are the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Portland State

University, Oregon Institute of Technology, Western Oregon University, Southern Oregon University,

and Eastern Oregon University. Local and community colleges are not public universities. ORS 352.138

Work Schedules

Contractors and subcontractors must give workers the regular work schedule (days of the week and

number of hours per day) in writing, before beginning work on the project. Contractors and

subcontractors may provide the schedule at the time of hire, prior to starting work on the contract, or by

posting the schedule at the work site, along with the prevailing wage rate information and any fringe

benefit information. If an employer fails to give written notice of the worker’s schedule, the work

schedule will be presumed to be a five-day schedule. The schedule may only be changed if the change is

intended to be permanent and is not designed to evade the PWR overtime requirements. ORS

279C.540(2); OAR 839-025-0034

________________________

Required Postings

Prevailing Wage Rates

Each and every contractor and subcontractor must post the applicable prevailing wage rates in a

conspicuous place on the project site so workers have ready access to the information. ORS

279C.840(4); OAR 839-025-0033(1)

Details of Fringe Benefit Programs

Contractors and subcontractors must also post the details of all fringe benefit plans or programs if any

contributions are made to a health and welfare plan and/or a pension plan. The posting should include a

description of the plan, information about how to file a claim and where to obtain more information.

ORS 279C.840(5); OAR 839-025-0033(2)

________________________

Certified Payroll

Filing Requirements

Every contractor and subcontractor on a covered project must file certified payroll records with the

public agency. Contractors and subcontractors must complete a certified payroll statement for each week

a worker is employed on a public work. These certified payroll statements must be submitted once a

month, by the fifth business day of the following month, to the public agency. ORS 279C.845; OAR

839-025-0010

Certified Payroll Form

To help contractors and subcontractors satisfy the filing requirement, form WH-38 can be found on

BOLI’s website at www.oregon.gov/boli. BOLI does not require contractors and subcontractors to use

this form, but they must supply all information the form requests (unless otherwise noted), and this

information must be certified by signing the certified statement (page 2 of the form). Contractors and

subcontractors using their own forms or reports can comply with the certification requirement by

completing and attaching a copy of the certified statement from the WH-38 form to their filing.

Note: completing and submitting the U.S. DOL payroll report (federal Form WH-347) on projects

subject to Oregon’s PWR law does not satisfy BOLI’s filing requirements.

For each worker, contractors and subcontractors must submit name and address, work classification, the

number of hours worked each day, the pay rate, gross amount paid, deductions and net amount paid, and

the hourly equivalent contributed to any party, plan or program for fringe benefits and the type of benefit

provided. If fringe benefits are provided to workers as wages, this must be shown as well. If owners,

managers or supervisors have earned prevailing wages during the week, they must also appear on the

certified payroll report, showing all the same information as that required for other workers, although

deductions and net amount paid may not apply to owners.

When workers perform work in multiple classifications in a single day, the certified payroll report must

accurately reflect the number of hours worked in each classification that day.

To meet filing requirements, the employer must sign the certified statement to confirm that the

information is true and complete. Unsigned reports do not satisfy the filing requirement. Submitting

false or incomplete information may be the basis for civil penalties or debarment.

Withholding Retainage

The PWR law requires prime contractors to withhold 25 percent of any amount earned by a first-tier

subcontractor if the subcontractor does not turn in its certified payroll reports each month. Once the

certified payroll reports have been submitted, the prime contractor must pay the 25 percent withheld

within 14 days. ORS 279C.845(8); OAR 839-025-0010(6)

_____________________________

Other Contractor Responsibilities

Required Records

All contractors and subcontractors who work on public works projects must maintain records showing

that the appropriate prevailing rate of wage and overtime rate has been paid to all workers. These

records must be maintained for a minimum of three years from the completion of work on public works

project. Contractors and subcontractors may opt to keep records longer, as the statute of limitations for

workers to file claims for unpaid wages is six years. When an employer has not kept records, BOLI

relies on the evidence provided by the claimant and other available sources. OAR 839-025-0025

Examples of records that must be maintained include:

 Certified payroll reports

 Name and address of each employee

 Work classifications of each employee

 The rates of wages and fringe benefits paid to each employee

 Daily and weekly hours worked by each employee

 Total daily and weekly compensation paid to each employee

 All withholdings and deductions taken from each employee’s pay

 Any and all payroll records pertaining to the employees working on the public works project

 All apprenticeship and training agreements

Annual Survey Requirements

Each year, the Oregon Employment Department, under the direction of BOLI, conducts a comprehensive

geographical wage survey of Oregon’s non-residential construction industry. Completion of the survey

is mandatory, and all survey responses are kept confidential. Although residential construction hours are

not included in the data, residential contractors must respond to the survey each year.

BOLI uses the data from the survey to set the state prevailing wage rates. This is why it is important for

every contractor and subcontractor to complete and return the survey. The information requested is

essential, and failure to respond to the survey as required may result in the assessment of civil penalties

against a non-responding contractor. ORS 279C.815

________________________

Inspection to Determine Whether Prevailing Rate of Wage Has Been Paid

Upon request by the commissioner or its representative, every contractor or subcontractor performing

work on a public works project must make time, payroll and other records deemed necessary available in

order to determine whether the prevailing rate of wage is being paid. Records obtained by BOLI from

the contractor or subcontractor, or made from the records obtained by BOLI from a contractor or

subcontractor under ORS 279C.850(2), are not public record. ORS 279C.850(2) and (3)

__________________________

A Checklist for Contractors and Subcontractors

 Respond promptly and accurately to communications from BOLI.

 File a public works bond with CCB before starting work on a public works project.

 Before allowing a subcontractor to work on a PWR project, ensure the subcontractor has filed a

public works bond with CCB.

 Verify that any subcontractor contracted with is not on BOLI’s current List of Contractors Ineligible

to Receive Public Works Contracts. This list of debarred contractors is on BOLI’s website at

www.oregon.gov/boli.

 Include in every contract and subcontract a provision that the workers will be paid not less than the

applicable prevailing wage rate for the type of work being performed.

 Ensure that all subcontractors and employees know that they are working on a prevailing wage rate

job.

 Ensure that supervisors and foremen know how to properly classify workers.

 Keep accurate daily records. Show the amount of time each worker spends in each classification of

work.

 Review employee time cards often to ensure times and duties are reported accurately. Have

employees sign in and out for the day and for lunch.

 File accurate and complete certified payrolls with the public agency.

 Notify employees of their work schedules, in writing and prior to beginning work.

 Post the prevailing wage rates in a conspicuous place on the project site.

 Post the details of any benefit plans in a conspicuous place on the project site.

 Keep all required records for at least three years.

 Return wage surveys promptly and with accurate information.

Additional Items for Prime Contractors:

 Withhold 25 percent of amounts earned by a first-tier subcontractor if the subcontractor does not turn

in its certified payroll reports as required.

 Review the certified payroll and oversee the job site to confirm that subcontractors are properly

classifying and paying their workers.

 Post any required payment bond.

Prevailing Wage Rate Law Enforcement

BOLI’s enforcement goal is compliance. The bureau has a variety of enforcement tools that range from

education and training to civil penalties, debarment and other sanctions. BOLI uses the appropriate

sanction to fit the violation. For example, if a contractor, subcontractor or agency accidentally violates

PWR law, BOLI considers the violating party’s willingness to cooperate and correct the problem when it

determines an enforcement action. In such cases, BOLI may direct the agency, contractor or

subcontractor to attend a training course on PWR law, and ask for a commitment of future compliance.

For willful or repeated violations of the law, it is more likely that BOLI will impose civil penalties or

debar a violating contractor from working on public works projects for three years. ORS 279C.860 and

279C.865; OAR 839-025-0085 and 839-025-0520

________________________

Agency Liability

A public agency must give adequate notice to the contractor that PWR law applies to the project. Failure

to treat the project as subject to PWR law may make the agency liable for unpaid wages, civil penalties

or orders to ensure compliance with the law.

Unpaid Prevailing Wages

The public agency is jointly and severally liable with any contractor or subcontractor for unpaid

prevailing wages and liquidated damages unless the contract documents contain a statement requiring the

contractor and all subcontractors to comply with ORS 279C.840. If the contractor had notice that the

project is covered by PWR law, the public agency’s liability is joint and several with any contractor or

subcontractor that had notice of the requirement to comply with ORS 279C.840, for any unpaid

prevailing wages. ORS 279C.855(3); OAR 839-025-0080(4)

If a public works project is subject to the Davis-Bacon Act but the public agency fails to include the state

and federal prevailing rates of wage in the specifications, or fails to provide in the contract that workers

on the public works must be paid not less than the higher of the applicable state or federal prevailing rate

of wage, and the workers on the project are paid the lower rather than the higher prevailing wage rate,

the public agency is liable to the workers for the difference between the lower and the higher rate, plus

an equal amount as liquidated damages, for every hour worked. ORS 279C.855(4); OAR 839-025-

0080(6)

If a contract requires a payment bond or other security and the agency fails to obtain it, the agency and

the officers authorizing the contract are jointly liable with the contractor for any unpaid prevailing

wages. ORS 279C.625; ORS 279C.380; ORS 279C.390

Civil Penalties for Public Agencies

BOLI may impose civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. Where violations are ongoing, each day

may count as a separate violation. ORS 279C.865; OAR 839-025-0500 et seq.

Violations include:

 Failing to include or reference the applicable prevailing wage rates in the contract specifications.

 Failing to include in the contract a provision that workers shall be paid prevailing wages.

 Failing to require the contractor to pay the higher of the applicable state or federal prevailing wage

rate when the project is subject to both state and federal PWR laws.

 Failing to include in the contract specifications a provision that the contractor and every

subcontractor must file a public works bond with the CCB before starting work on the project.

 Awarding a contract to a debarred contractor.

 Failing to include in the contract a provision requiring the contractor to file a public works bond with

the CCB before starting work on the project.

 Failing to include in the contract a provision requiring the contractor to include in every subcontract

a provision requiring the contractor to file a public works bond with the CCB before starting work on

the project.

 Failing to pay a PWR fee to BOLI.

 Failing to notify BOLI when a contract is awarded.

 Failing to include a copy of the disclosure of first-tier subcontractors with the Notice of Award.

 Failing to retain 25 percent of the amount the contractor earned when the contractor fails to submit

certified payroll reports as required.

 Dividing a project to avoid paying the PWR.

 Circumventing PWR laws in any way.

Compelling Compliance

BOLI may issue an order compelling an agency to comply with the PWR law. ORS 279C.827(1)(b)

________________________

Contractor Liability

If a contractor or subcontractor does not fulfill obligations under the PWR law, there are a number of

possible consequences.

Unpaid Prevailing Wages

Any contractor or subcontractor failing to pay prevailing wages as required is liable for the amount of

underpayment. ORS 279C.855(1); OAR 839-025-0080(1)

Liquidated Damages

Contractors and subcontractors may also be liable for liquidated damages equal to the amount of unpaid

wages. For example, if a contractor or subcontractor underpaid an employee by $1,500, the contractor,

subcontractor or surety thereof is responsible for the unpaid wages plus an equal amount in liquidated

damages for a total of $3,000. The liquidated damages are twice the amount of unpaid overtime wages if

payroll records have been falsified. ORS 279C.855(1), ORS 279C.540(9), OAR 839-025-0080(2) and

(3)

Prime Contractor Liability for the Violations of a Subcontractor

If a subcontractor fails to pay prevailing wages, any employee may file a claim against the prime

contractor’s bond. The prime contractor may be responsible for any underpayment of the

subcontractor’s employees. ORS 279C.855(2)

Civil Penalties

BOLI may impose civil penalties against contractors and subcontractors for any violation of the

prevailing wage statutes or administrative rules, even if there was no underpayment of wages. Such

violations include failing to respond to a wage survey, failing to file a public works bond with the CCB,

failing to post required information at the job site or failing to file certified payroll reports. BOLI may

impose penalties up to $5,000 per violation. If violations are ongoing, each day counts as a separate

violation. ORS 279C.865; OAR 839-025-0500 et seq.

BOLI considers many factors when imposing civil penalties, including:

 Previous or repeated violations.

 The severity of the violations.

 The amount of underpayment of wages, if any.

 Whether the contractor or subcontractor knew, or should have known, about the violations.

 How difficult it would have been for the contractor or subcontractor to comply.

 The contractor’s/subcontractor’s response to the violations.

It is important for contractors and subcontractors to cooperate with investigations and correct any

violations as quickly as possible to reduce any civil penalties that the bureau may impose.

Warning Letters

BOLI may send warning letters to contractors and subcontractors who have violated the PWR law.

BOLI imposes significantly higher penalties against contractors and subcontractors who commit

violations after receiving a warning letter, up to and including assessing maximum civil penalties and

debarment.

Debarment

BOLI may debar a contractor or subcontractor from receiving public works contracts in Oregon for three

years if it is determined that the contractor or subcontractor has intentionally failed or refused to pay the

prevailing rate of wage to workers employed on a public works, if the contractor or subcontractor has

intentionally failed or refused to post the rates as required, or if the contractor or subcontractor has

intentionally falsified information in the certified payroll statements. BOLI may debar a contractor, even

if the violation was not willful, if the contractor did not pay prevailing wages to workers and the surety

or public agency paid them. Similarly, BOLI may debar a subcontractor, even if the violation was not

willful, if the subcontractor did not pay prevailing wages to workers and the prime contractor, a surety,

or a public agency paid them.

If the contractor or subcontractor is a corporation or a limited liability company, the bureau may also

personally debar the officer or agent of a debarred corporation or any member or manager of a limited

liability company. Furthermore, the debarment extends to any firm, corporation, limited liability

company, partnership or association in which the debarred individual has a financial interest.

BOLI maintains a list of debarred contractors, referred to as the “List of Ineligibles.” This list is

included in each published rate book and is available on the BOLI website at www.oregon.gov/boli.

ORS 279C.860; OAR 839-025-0085; OAR 839-025-0090

Appendix A

________________________

Computing the Allowable Hourly Credit for Fringe

Benefit Contributions

Oregon’s PWR law and the federal Davis-Bacon Act are similar regarding fringe benefits. To qualify for

any credit, the fringe benefit plan must meet all of the following requirements:

 Contributions must be made regularly and at least on a quarterly basis.

 Contributions made for prevailing wage work may not be used to fund the plan or program for

periods of non-prevailing wage work.

 Contributions must not be required by law (such as taxes, workers’ compensation, etc.)

 Contributions must be irrevocable and for the employee’s benefit.

Hourly Contributions

If a contractor or subcontractor makes contributions on a per hour basis for all hours worked, including

both PWR and non-PWR hours, credit may be taken for the amount contributed to the plan each hour for

each employee. For example, a contractor paying $2.78 per employee hour into a qualifying health plan

may credit $2.78 per hour towards the hourly fringe benefit requirements.

Weekly, Monthly or Quarterly Contributions

If a contractor or subcontractor makes a flat weekly, monthly or quarterly contribution to a qualifying

plan for an employee, the allowable hourly credit is calculated by dividing the contribution amount by

the total number of hours, both PWR and non-PWR hours, the employee worked during the contribution

period. For example, if the employer contribution one month was $250, and if the employee worked 170

hours that month, the credit would be $1.47 per hour ($250 per month / 170 hours worked = $1.47 per

hour credit).

The general formula to use is as follows:

Amount of employer contribution paid on behalf of the employee

 All hours worked by the employee during the contribution time period (including non-PWR hours)

= Allowable hourly equivalent fringe benefit credit.

When calculating the hourly fringe credit, a time period shorter than the contribution period may need to

be used. For example, if the employer makes contributions to a health insurance plan monthly but pays

the employee on a weekly basis, the employer may need to calculate the hourly fringe credit on a weekly

basis. This can be done by converting the employer’s monthly contribution to a weekly amount

(monthly employer contribution times 12 months, divided by 52 weeks). The resulting weekly

contribution equivalent can then be used each pay period to calculate the hourly fringe credit for the

week, by dividing the weekly contribution equivalent by the number of hours the employee worked in

the week.

Calculate Credits Separately for Each Employee

The allowable hourly credit must be determined and tracked separately for each employee because the

credit is based on figures that will vary from person to person, depending on the benefit contribution

amount for each particular employee and the number of hours that the employee worked during the

contribution period.

Employer’s Contribution

Only the employer’s contribution toward a benefit plan may be used to calculate the allowable hourly

credit. If an employee contributes toward a benefit plan, the amount of the employee’s contribution may

not be used in calculating the credit.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements for a plan, such as a waiting period, are permissible. However, during the period

in which an employee is ineligible to participate in the plan, no credit may be taken against the hourly

fringe benefit amount due that employee. Pension plans with vesting provisions are eligible if they meet

ERISA requirements. (See Appendix B for contact information for the Employee Benefits Security

Administration, the federal agency that enforces ERISA.)

Pension Plans

In addition to the general contribution requirements listed previously, contributions to a pension plan

must be made to a trustee or to a third person. The “third person” must not be affiliated with the

contractor or subcontractor, and the trust or fund must be set up in such a way that in no event will the

contractor or subcontractor be able to recapture any of the contributions paid into the plan, or in any way

divert the funds to his or her own use or benefit.

Unequal Contributions

If a defined contribution pension plan provides for a higher hourly rate of contribution on PWR-covered

work than for non-covered work, the higher rate paid for PWR work may be fully credited only if the

plan provides for immediate participation by employees and 100 percent vesting after an employee

works no more than 500 hours.

For example, if an employer contributes $1.00 per hour to a pension plan for each PWR hour worked,

and contributes $.25 per hour for each non-PWR hour worked, the employer may only take the full credit

of $1.00 per hour if the pension plan allows for immediate participation and vesting as outlined above.

If unequal contributions are made to a defined contribution pension plan, and the plan does not provide

for immediate participation and vesting as outlined above, the allowable credit is based on the average

contribution the employer made over the previous fiscal year. The total pension benefit contributions

made during this twelve-month period should be divided by the total number of hours worked (including

non-PWR hours) during that period. The result is an average hourly contribution the employer may

claim.

As an example, an employer contributes $1.00 per hour to a pension plan for each PWR hour worked,

and contributes $.25 per hour for each non-PWR hour worked. During the previous year, the employee

worked 1,500 PWR hours and 500 non-PWR hours. The total contribution for this year would be $1,625

((1,500 PWR hours x $1.00 per hour) + (500 non-PWR hours x $.25 per hour) = $1,625). The total

yearly contribution of $1,625 would then be divided by 2,000 hours, which is the total number of hours

worked during the year. The resulting credit would be $.81 per hour ($1,625 / 2,000 hours = $.81).

Unfunded Plans

Employers may offer benefits to employees such as vacation, sick (see additional information about sick

leave below) and holiday pay. Because employers do not generally put money aside for these benefits,

they are referred to as “unfunded” plans. Employers may take a credit for such benefits, but the plan

must meet several requirements:

 The plan must actually provide a benefit to the employees.

 The benefit must represent a commitment that can be legally enforced.

 The benefit must be carried out under a financially responsible plan or program.

 The plan or program providing the benefit must be communicated in writing to the employees.

 The plan must not be required by law.

Unless all of these conditions are met, the employer may not take a credit for an unfunded plan.

The 2015 Oregon Legislature passed a law requiring employers to provide paid sick leave under certain

circumstances. (ORS 653.601 – 653.661; OAR 839-007-0000 et seq.) If an employer is required to

provide paid sick leave under this law, no credit may be taken for such payments. However, if the

employer is not required to provide paid sick leave and does so anyway, credit may be taken for such

payment. Additionally, if the employer provides for more paid sick leave than that required under state

law, the employer may take credit for the payments made in excess of the legal requirement.

Calculating the allowable hourly credit for unfunded plans is similar to other credit computations: The

total benefit amount for a contribution period is divided by the total hours worked during the contribution

period. As an example, an employee may earn 40 hours of vacation per year. If the employee’s regular

rate of pay is $10 per hour, the total yearly benefit amount is $400 (40 hours x $10 per hour = $400). If

the employee worked 2000 hours during the year, the allowable hourly credit for vacation benefits would

be $.20 per hour ($400 / 2000 hours = $.20).

The employer must carefully track the amount of unfunded benefits an employee earns and uses. If an

employee quits or is terminated and has a “balance” of earned vacation, sick or holiday pay that has not

been used, this “balance” must be paid to the employee with the final paycheck.

Qualified Apprenticeship Programs

If a contractor or subcontractor employs workers who are registered in a bona fide apprenticeship or

training program with BOLI’s Apprenticeship and Training Division, the costs incurred by the contractor

or subcontractor in that program may be taken as a credit. Only the actual costs incurred for the training

program, such as instruction, books, tools and materials, may be credited. However, time or costs

involved in administering the program may not be included in the actual costs of the training program.

Each trade or classification must be treated separately, and the cost incurred for apprenticeship training

for one classification may not be used to offset costs required to be incurred for another classification.

For example, a contractor may not claim credit for apprenticeship training costs that were actually

incurred for electricians and apply that credit toward meeting the prevailing wage obligation for

carpenters.

Rather than contribute to an apprenticeship training fund on an hourly basis, some employers contribute

a lump sum in advance for the annual cost of the program. If the employer does not make contributions

on an hourly basis, the hourly credit should be calculated as follows:

Total contributions to a qualified apprenticeship or training program for a certain

classification over a time period

 The total number of hours worked by all employees in that classification

= Hourly credit allowed.

Reporting Hourly Fringe Benefits

Each fringe benefit contribution must be listed as an hourly rate on certified payroll reports, and the

hourly rate must be reported individually for each worker.

For example, if an employer pays $250 one month for a bona fide benefit for an employee, and that

translates into a credit of $1.47 per hour, the employer must report $1.47 per hour credit on the certified

payroll report rather than the monthly payment of $250.

Frequency of Payment of Fringe Benefits

Contributions must be made on a regular basis and not less often than quarterly. OAR 839-025-0043

“Regular basis” means either the schedule of contribution as provided in writing in the plan, fund, or

program, or if none, the regular contribution schedule established by the contractor or subcontractor. For

example, if the plan specifies that contributions to a bona fide fringe benefit fund be made by the

fifteenth calendar day of each month following the month the wages were earned, then contributions to

the fund must be made by that date. If the plan, fund or program does not specify a contribution date, or

if the specified contribution date as written in the plan, fund or program does not meet the meaning of

“not less often than quarterly” as defined below, the contractor or subcontractor must establish and

maintain a contribution date by which payment to the plan, fund or program will be made on a regular

bases and not less often than quarterly.

“Not less often than quarterly” means that the fringe benefit portion of wages must be contributed to a

bona fide plan, fund or program at least once every three months within an established consecutive

twelve-month period. The contribution must represent payment to the plan, fund or program for amounts

earned in the three-month period immediately prior to the contribution date.

An established twelve-month period may be a calendar year, fiscal year, plan year, or other consecutive

twelve-month period as determined by the employer. The beginning of the twelve-month period may be

changed only if the change is intended to be permanent, and is not designed to evade the timely payment

of contributions into a bona fide plan, fund or program. If an employer does not determine a consecutive

twelve-month period the default period shall be a calendar year; that is, from 12:00 midnight on January

1 to 11:59 p.m. December 31, each year.

As an example, using the calendar year as the established consecutive twelve month period, a contractor

or subcontractor establishes a contribution date of April 15 for the payment of fringe benefits earned

between January 1 and March 31 into the plan, fund or program; consequently, amounts earned between

April 1 and June 30 must be contributed into the plan, fund or program on or before July 15; amounts

earned between July 1 and September 30 must be contributed into the plan, fund or program on or before

October 15; and amounts earned between October 1 and December 31 must be contributed into the plan,

fund or program on or before January 15.

If an employer does not offer any bona fide fringe benefits to an employee, the entire PWR hourly fringe

rate must be paid to the worker as wages on regular payroll dates. All hourly fringe benefits that are paid

as wages to an employee must be reported separately from the hourly base wages on certified payroll

reports.

Posting Details of the Plans on the Project Site

Every contractor and subcontractor must post the details of all fringe benefit plans or programs if any

contributions are made to a third party for fringe benefits. The posting should include a description of

the plan, information about how to file a claim and where to obtain more information.

Appendix B

________________________

Contacts

Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries

800 N.E. Oregon Street, #1045

Portland, Oregon 97232

(971) 673-0761

Oregon Relay TTY: 711

www.oregon.gov/boli

Apprenticeship and Training Division

Phone: (971) 673-0760

Email: [email protected]

Civil Rights Division

Phone: (971) 673-0764

Email: [email protected]

PWR Technical Assistance for Employers

Phone: (971) 673-0838

Email: [email protected]

Technical Assistance for Employers (non-PWR)

Phone: (971) 673-0824

Email: [email protected]

Wage and Hour Division

Phone: (971) 673-0844

Construction Contractors Board

P.O. Box 14140

700 Summer St. NE, Suite 300

Salem, Oregon 97309-5052

(503) 378-4621

www.oregon.gov/ccb

United States Department of Labor

Wage and Hour Division

620 SW Main St., Room 423

Portland, Oregon 97205

(503) 326-3057 / (866) 487-9243

www.dol.gov/whd

United States Department of Labor

Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)

300 Fifth Ave., Suite 1110

Seattle, Washington 98104

(206) 757-6781 / (866) 444-3272

www.dol.gov/ebsa

Appendix C

________________________

Calculating Weighted Average Overtime

In all of these examples, overtime is being computed as though there is a five-day work schedule. Daily

overtime is computed for hours worked after eight in a day.

If a contractor or subcontractor adopts a work schedule of four consecutive days, rather than five

(Monday through Thursday, or Tuesday through Friday), daily overtime would be computed for hours

worked after ten in a day, rather than eight. The following examples work for any situation:

EXAMPLE 1:

John Doe worked on a public works contract during the period July 15 to July 31. Doe’s base rate of pay

as determined by BOLI was $12.50 per hour. His fringe benefits amount to $3.50 for a total of $16.00

per hour. The contractor pays the fringe benefits to a trustee pursuant to a bona fide plan.

WEEK #1

S M T W T F S

Total

15 16 17 18

Doe worked 10 hours on Friday, July 17 (two overtime hours). He did not work on Saturday or over 40

hours during the week. There were no holidays worked. The $3.50 per hour fringe benefit is not

included with the hourly rate for overtime computation purposes. Doe’s earnings in Week #1 are

therefore:

$12.50/hr x 25 hrs = $312.50

$6.25/hr x 2 hrs = $12.50

Gross Wages Earned =

$325.00

WEEK #2

S M T W T F S

Total

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Doe worked 40 hours during the week, seven of which were hours worked over eight in one day (July 22

and July 23) and five of which were worked on Saturday, July 25 (total of 12 overtime hours). As in

Week #1, fringe benefits are excluded from the overtime computation. Doe’s earnings in Week #2 are

therefore:

$12.50/hr x 40 hrs = $500.00

$6.25/hr x 12 hrs = $75.00

Gross Wages Earned =

$575.00

WEEK #3

S M T W T F S

Total

26 27 28 29 30 31

Doe worked 50 hours during the week, eight of which were hours worked over eight per day and six of

which were hours worked on Sunday, July 26, which is a holiday as defined in ORS 279C.540 (total of

14 overtime hours). As in Week #1, fringe benefits are excluded from the overtime computations. Doe’s

earnings in Week #3 are therefore:

$12.50/hr x 50 hrs = $625.00

$6.25/hr x 14 hrs = $87.50

Gross Wages Earned =

$712.50

EXAMPLE 2:

Assume John Doe’s hours worked and fringe benefits paid were the same as in Example 1 above.

Assume, however, that Doe’s hourly base rates varied because he was employed in more than one

classification, as follows:

WEEK #1

S M T W T F S

Total

15 16 17 18

Doe worked all of Wednesday and Thursday (July 15-16) at $12.50 per hour. On Friday, July 17, he

worked seven hours at $12.50 per hour and three hours at $13.10 per hour. As required by OAR 839-

025-0050(2)(b), because Doe worked two hours overtime on Friday and worked that day at two different

rates, the weighted average of his base rates of pay must be calculated in order to compute his overtime

rate for that day. Doe’s weekly earnings would be as follows:

Straight time:

$12.50/hr x 22 hrs = $275.00

$13.10/hr x 3 hrs = $39.30

$314.30

Overtime:

*$6.34/hr x 2 hrs = $12.68

$12.68

Gross wages earned

$326.98

*To calculate 1/2 the weighted average:

($12.50/hr x 7 hrs) + ($13.10/hr x 3 hrs) = $126.80

$126.80



10 hrs

= $12.68

$12.68 x .5 = $6.34

WEEK #2

S M T W T F S

Total

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Doe worked at $12.50 per hour, except four hours on Wednesday, July 22, where he worked at $11.75

per hours, and five hours on Saturday, July 25, at $12.10 per hour. Doe’s weekly earnings are as

follows:

Straight time:

$12.50/hr x 31 hrs = $387.50

$11.75/hr x 4 hrs = $47.00

$12.10/hr x 5 hrs = 60.50

$495.00

Overtime:

$6.25/hr x 5 hrs = $31.25 (July 23)

*$6.10/hr x 2 hrs = $12.20 (July 22)

**$6.05/hr x 5 hrs = $30.25 (July 25)

$73.70

Gross wages earned

$568.70

*To calculate 1/2 the weighted average on July 22:

($12.50/hr x 6 hrs) + ($11.75/hr x 4 hrs) = $122.00

$122.00



10 hrs

= $12.20

$12.20 x .5 = $6.10

**All work performed on Saturday, July 25, is overtime, as defined in ORS 279C.540. Therefore, Doe is

paid overtime pay for the entire five hours that he worked.

WEEK #3

S M T W T F S

Total

26 27 28 29 30 31

On Sunday, July 26, Doe worked six hours at $10.50 per hour. Since Sunday is a holiday as defined in

ORS 279C.540, he is paid overtime for the entire day. Doe worked at $12.50 per hour July 27-30. On

each of those days he worked two hours overtime, totaling eight hours of overtime pay. On July 31 he

worked four hours at $11.00 per hour. Doe’s weekly earnings are as follows:

Straight time:

$12.50/hr x 40 hrs = $500.00

$10.50/hr x 6 hrs = $63.00

$11.00/hr x 4 hrs = 44.00

$607.00

Overtime:

$6.25/hr x 8 hrs = $50.00

$5.25/hr x 6 hrs = $31.50 (July 26)

$81.50

Gross wages earned

$688.50

EXAMPLE 3:

For the example week ending November 3, John Doe worked a total of 61.5 hours. Thirty of the hours in

the example week were non-PWR, worked at the rate of $9.50 per hour; 31.5 hours were PWR, earned at

the base rate of $16.99 and fringe rate of $5.97 per hour. OAR 839-025-0050(2)(b) requires that when

an employee works at multiple rates of pay and earns overtime, the overtime rate must be calculated

using a weighted-average method based on all rates earned, as shown in this example.

S M T W T F S Total >40

28 29 30 31 1 2 3

PWR

Non-

PWR

12 10 9.5

31.5

There were 7.5 hours of daily PWR overtime

earned from October 29-31. The 7.5 hours were

subtracted from the 61.5 hours worked, leaving 54

hours that week. Of these 54 hours, 14 were

overtime hours over 40 in the workweek.

Straight time:

$9.50/hr x 30 hrs = $285.00 non-PWR

$16.99/hr x 31.5 hrs = +$535.19 + PWR

$820.19

Overtime:

*$820.19



61.5

= $13.34

**$13.34 x .5 = $6.67

***$6.67 x 14 =

$93.38

* Divide the total straight-time wages earned by the

total number of hours worked;

** Multiply * rate by .5; and

*** Multiply ** rate by the number of hours over 40 =

weighted average portion of overtime still owed.

Total Wages Earned =

$820.19

Weighted Ave. OT =

$93.38

PWR Daily OT =

$63.75

† (see below)

PWR Fringe Benefits =

$188.06 ‡

(see below)

Gross wages earned

$1,165.38

† (($16.99/hr x .5) x 7.5 hours daily PWR OT

‡ ($5.97/hr x 31.5 PWR hours)

Appendix D

________________________

Oregon Revised Statutes

2017 Edition

Definitions for Public Contracting Code

279A.010 Definitions for Public Contracting Code

Penalties

279A.990 Penalties

Hours of Labor

279C.540 Maximum hours of labor on public contracts; holidays; exceptions; liability to workers; rules

279C.545 Time limitation on claim for overtime; posting of circular by contractor



Action on Payment Bonds and Public Works Bonds

279C.600 Right of action on payment bond or public works bond of contractor or subcontractor; notice of claim

279C.605 Notice of claim

279C.610 Action on contractor’s public works bond or payment bond; time limitation

279C.615 Preference for labor and material liens

279C.620 Rights of person providing medical care to employees of contractor

279C.625 Joint liability when payment bond not executed



Prevailing Wage Rate

279C.800 Definitions for ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870

279C.805 Policy

279C.807 Workforce diversity for public works projects

279C.808 Rules

279C.810 Exemptions; rules

279C.815 Determination of prevailing wage; sources of information; comparison of state and federal prevailing

wage; other powers of commissioner

279C.817 Determination of applicability of prevailing wage rate; time limitation; hearing; rules

279C.820 Advisory committee to assist commissioner

279C.825 Fees; rules

279C.827 Division of public works project; applicability of prevailing wage rate to divided projects

279C.829 Agreement with other state to pay less than prevailing rate of wage

279C.830 Provisions concerning prevailing rate of wage in specifications, contracts and subcontracts;

applicability of prevailing wage; bond

279C.835 Notifying commissioner of public works contract subject to prevailing wage; payment of fee

279C.836 Public works bond; rules

279C.838 Applicability of state and federal rates of wage; determination of site of project; determination of

applicability of wage to transportation workers; waiver

279C.840 Payment of prevailing rate of wage; posting of rates and fringe benefit plan provisions

279C.845 Certified statements regarding payment of prevailing rates of wage; retainage

279C.850 Inspection to determine whether prevailing rate of wage being paid; civil action for failure to pay

prevailing rate of wage or overtime

279C.855 Liability for violations

279C.860 Ineligibility for public works contracts for failure to pay or post notice of prevailing rates of wage;

certified payroll reports to commissioner

279C.865 Civil penalties

279C.870 Civil action to enforce payment of prevailing rates of wage

279C.875 Criminal liability for intentional failure to pay prevailing wage; rules

General Provisions

279A.010 Definitions for Public Contracting Code. (1) As used in the Public Contracting Code, unless the

context or a specifically applicable definition requires otherwise:

(a) “Bidder” means a person that submits a bid in response to an invitation to bid.

(b) “Contracting agency” means a public body authorized by law to conduct a procurement. “Contracting agency”

includes, but is not limited to, the Director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and any person

authorized by a contracting agency to conduct a procurement on the contracting agency’s behalf. “Contracting

agency” does not include the judicial department or the legislative department.

(d) “Department” means the Oregon Department of Administrative Services.

(e) “Director” means the Director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services or a person designated by

the director to carry out the authority of the director under the Public Contracting Code.

(f) “Emergency” means circumstances that:

(A) Could not have been reasonably foreseen;

(B) Create a substantial risk of loss, damage or interruption of services or a substantial threat to property, public

health, welfare or safety; and

(g) “Energy savings performance contract” means a public contract between a contracting agency and a qualified

energy service company for the identification, evaluation, recommendation, design and construction of energy

conservation measures, including a design-build contract, that guarantee energy savings or performance.

(h) “Executive department” has the meaning given that term in ORS 174.112.

(i) “Goods” includes supplies, equipment, materials, personal property, including any tangible, intangible and

intellectual property and rights and licenses in relation thereto, and combinations of any of the items identified in

this paragraph.

(j) “Goods and services” or “goods or services” includes combinations of any of the items identified in the

definitions of “goods” and “services.”

(k)(A) “Grant” means:

(i) An agreement under which a contracting agency receives moneys, property or other assistance, including but not

limited to federal assistance that is characterized as a grant by federal law or regulations, loans, loan guarantees,

credit enhancements, gifts, bequests, commodities or other assets, from a grantor for the purpose of supporting or

stimulating a program or activity of the contracting agency and in which no substantial involvement by the grantor

is anticipated in the program or activity other than involvement associated with monitoring compliance with the

grant conditions; or

(ii) An agreement under which a contracting agency provides moneys, property or other assistance, including but

not limited to federal assistance that is characterized as a grant by federal law or regulations, loans, loan guarantees,

credit enhancements, gifts, bequests, commodities or other assets, to a recipient for the purpose of supporting or

stimulating a program or activity of the recipient and in which no substantial involvement by the contracting

agency is anticipated in the program or activity other than involvement associated with monitoring compliance with

the grant conditions.

(B) “Grant” does not include a public contract for a public imp

rovement, for public works, as defined in ORS

279C.800, or for emergency work, minor alterations or ordinary repair or maintenance necessary to preserve a

public improvement, when under the public contract a contracting agency pays, in consideration for contract

performance intended to realize or to support the realization of the purposes for which grant funds were provided to

the contracting agency, moneys that the contracting agency has received under a grant.

(L) “Industrial oil” means any compressor, turbine or bearing oil, hydraulic oil, metal-working oil or refrigeration

oil.

(m) “Judicial department” has the meaning given that term in ORS 174.113.

(n) “Legislative department” has the meaning given that term in ORS 174.114.

(o) “Local contract review board” means a local contract review board described in ORS 279A.060.

(p) “Local contracting agency” means a local government or special government body authorized by law to conduct

a procurement. “Local contracting agency” includes any person authorized by a local contracting agency to conduct

a procurement on behalf of the local contracting agency.

(q) “Local government” has the meaning given that term in ORS 174.116.

(r) “Lowest responsible bidder” means the lowest bidder who:

(A) Has substantially complied with all prescribed public contracting procedures and requirements;

(B) Has met the standards of responsibility set forth in ORS 279B.110 or 279C.375;

(D) If the advertised contract is a public improvement contract, is not on the list created by the Construction

Contractors Board under ORS 701.227.

(s) “Lubricating oil” means any oil intended for use in an internal combustion crankcase, transmission, gearbox or

differential or an automobile, bus, truck, vessel, plane, train, heavy equipment or machinery powered by an internal

combustion engine.

(t) “Person” means a natural person capable of being legally bound, a sole proprietorship, a corporation, a

partnership, a limited liability company or partnership, a limited partnership, a for-profit or nonprofit

unincorporated association, a business trust, two or more persons having a joint or common economic interest, any

other person with legal capacity to contract or a public body.

(u) “Post-consumer waste” means a finished material that would normally be disposed of as solid waste, having

completed its life cycle as a consumer item. “Post-consumer waste” does not include manufacturing waste.

(v) “Price agreement” means a public contract for the procurement of goods or services at a set price with:

(A) No guarantee of a minimum or maximum purchase; or

(B) An initial order or minimum purchase combined with a continuing contractor obligation to provide goods or

services in which the contracting agency does not guarantee a minimum or maximum additional purchase.

(w) “Procurement” means the act of purchasing, leasing, renting or otherwise acquiring goods or services.

“Procurement” includes each function and procedure undertaken or required to be undertaken by a contracting

agency to enter into a public contract, administer a public contract and obtain the performance of a public contract

under the Public Contracting Code.

(x) “Proposer” means a person that submits a proposal in response to a request for proposals.

(y) “Public body” has the meaning given that term in ORS 174.109.

(z) “Public contract” means a sale or other disposal, or a purchase, lease, rental or other acquisition, by a

contracting agency of personal property, services, including personal services, public improvements, public works,

minor alterations, or ordinary repair or maintenance necessary to preserve a public improvement. “Public contract”

does not include grants.

(aa) “Public contracting” means procurement activities described in the Public Contracting Code relating to

obtaining, modifying or administering public contracts or price agreements.

(bb) “Public Contracting Code” or “code” means ORS chapters 279A, 279B and 279C.

(cc) “Public improvement” means a project for construction, reconstruction or major renovation on real property by

or for a contracting agency. “Public improvement” does not include:

(A) Projects for which no funds of a contracting agency are directly or indirectly used, except for participation that

is incidental or related primarily to project design or inspection; or

(B) Emergency work, minor alteration, ordinary repair or maintenance necessary to preserve a public improvement.

(dd) “Public improvement contract” means a public contract for a public improvement. “Public improvement

contract” does not include a public contract for emergency work, minor alterations, or ordinary repair or

maintenance necessary to preserve a public improvement.

(ee) “Recycled material” means any material that would otherwise be a useless, unwanted or discarded material

except for the fact that the material still has useful physical or chemical properties after serving a specific purpose

and can, therefore, be reused or recycled.

(ff) “Recycled oil” means used oil that has been prepared for r

euse as a petroleum product by refining, rerefining,

reclaiming, reprocessing or other means, provided that the preparation or use is operationally safe, environmentally

sound and complies with all laws and regulations.

(gg) “Recycled paper” means a paper product with not less than:

(A) Fifty percent of its fiber weight consisting of secondary waste materials; or

(B) Twenty-five percent of its fiber weight consisting of post-consumer waste.

(hh) “Recycled PETE” means post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate material.

(ii) “Recycled product” means all materials, goods and supplies, not less than 50 percent of the total weight of

which consists of secondary and post-consumer waste with not less than 10 percent of its total weight consisting of

post-consumer waste. “Recycled product” includes any product that could have been disposed of as solid waste,

having completed its life cycle as a consumer item, but otherwise is refurbished for reuse without substantial

alteration of the product’s form.

(jj) “Secondary waste materials” means fragments of products or finished products of a manufacturing process that

has converted a virgin resource into a commodity of real economic value. “Secondary waste materials” includes

post-consumer waste. “Secondary waste materials” does not include excess virgin resources of the manufacturing

process. For paper, “secondary waste materials” does not include fibrous waste generated during the manufacturing

process such as fibers recovered from waste water or trimmings of paper machine rolls, mill broke, wood slabs,

chips, sawdust or other wood residue from a manufacturing process.

(kk) “Services” mean services other than personal services designated under ORS 279A.055, except that, for state

contracting agencies with procurement authority under ORS 279A.050 or 279A.140, “services” includes personal

services as designated by the state contracting agencies.

(LL) “Special government body” has the meaning given that term in ORS 174.117.

(mm) “State agency” means the executive department, except the Secretary of State and the State Treasurer in the

performance of the duties of their constitutional offices.

(nn) “State contracting agency” means an executive department entity authorized by law to conduct a procurement.

(oo) “State government” has the meaning given that term in ORS 174.111.

(pp) “Used oil” has the meaning given that term in ORS 459A.555.

(qq) “Virgin oil” means oil that has been refined from crude oil and that has not been used or contaminated with

impurities.

(2) Other definitions appearing in the Public Contracting Code and the sections in which they appear are:

(a) “Administering contracting

 agency” ........................................... ORS 279A.200

(b) “Affirmative action” ....................... ORS 279A.100

(d) “Architectural, engineering,

photogrammetric mapping,

transportation planning or land

surveying services” ......................... ORS 279C.100

(e) “Bid documents” ............................. ORS 279C.400

(f) “Bidder” .......................................... ORS 279B.415

(g) “Bids” ............................................. ORS 279C.400

(h) “Brand name” ................................. ORS 279B.405

(i) “Brand name or equal

 specification” .................................. ORS 279B.200

(j) “Brand namespecification” ............ ORS 279B.200

(k) “Class special procurement” ........... ORS 279B.085

(L) “Consultant” ................................... ORS 279C.115

(m) “Contract-specific special

procurement” .................................. ORS 279B.085

(n) “Cooperative procurement” ............ ORS 279A.200

(o) “Cooperative procurement group” .. ORS 279A.200

(p) “Donee” .......................................... ORS 279A.250

(q) “Engineer” ...................................... ORS 279C.100

(r) “Findings” ....................................... ORS 279C.330

(s) “Fire protectionequipment” ............ ORS 279A.190

(t) “Fringe benefits” ............................. ORS 279C.800

(u) “Funds of a public agency” ............. ORS 279C.810

(v) “Good cause” .................................. ORS 279C.585

(w) “Good faith dispute” ....................... ORS 279C.580

(x) “Goods” .......................................... ORS 279B.115

(y) “Housing” ....................................... ORS 279C.800

(z) “Interstate cooperative

procurement” .................................. ORS 279A.200



(aa) “Invitation to bid” ........................... ORS 279B.005

........................................................ and 279C.400

(bb) “Joint cooperative procurement” .... ORS 279A.200

(cc) “Labor dispute” ............................... ORS 279C.650

(dd) “Land surveyor” .............................. ORS 279C.100

(ee) “Legally flawed” ............................. ORS 279B.405

(ff) “Locality” ....................................... ORS 279C.800

(gg) “Nonprofit organization” ................ ORS 279C.810

(hh) “Nonresident bidder” ...................... ORS 279A.120

(ii) “Not-for-profit organization” .......... ORS 279A.250

(jj) “Original contract” .......................... ORS 279A.200

(kk) “Permissive cooperative

procurement” .................................. ORS 279A.200

(LL) “Person” .......................................... ORS 279C.500

........................................................ and 279C.815

(mm) “Personal services” ......................... ORS 279C.100

(nn) “Photogrammetric mapping” .......... ORS 279C.100

(oo) “Photogrammetrist” ........................ ORS 279C.100

(pp) “Prevailing rate of wage” ................ ORS 279C.800

(qq) “Procurement description” .............. ORS 279B.005

(rr) “Property” ....................................... ORS 279A.250

(ss) “Public agency” .............................. ORS 279C.800

(tt) “Public contract” ............................. ORS 279A.190

(uu) “Public works” ................................ ORS 279C.800

(vv) “Purchasing contracting agency” .... ORS 279A.200

(ww) “Regularly organized fire

department” ..................................... ORS 279A.190

(xx) “Related services” ........................... ORS 279C.100

(yy) “Request for proposals” ORS 279B.005

(zz) “Resident bidder” ............................ ORS 279A.120

(aaa) “Responsible bidder” ...................... ORS 279A.105

........................................................ and 279B.005

(bbb) “Responsible proposer” .................. ORS 279B.005

(ccc) “Responsive bid” ............................ ORS 279B.005

(ddd) “Responsive proposal” .................... ORS 279B.005

(eee) “Retainage” ..................................... ORS 279C.550

(fff) “Special procurement” .................... ORS 279B.085

(ggg) “Specification” ................................ ORS 279B.200

(hhh) “State agency” ................................ ORS 279A.250

(iii) “Substantial completion” ................ ORS 279C.465

(jjj) “Surplus property” .......................... ORS 279A.250

(kkk) “Transportation planning

services” .......................................... ORS 279C.100

(LLL) “Unnecessarily restrictive” ............. ORS 279B.405 

[2003 c.794 §2; 2003 c.794 §2a; 2005 c.22 §199; 2005 c.103 §1a; 2005 c.153 §2; 2005 c.360 §13; 2007 c.764 §1;

2011 c.458 §8; 2017 c.715 §4]

Penalties

279A.990 Penalties. (1) The provisions of ORS 291.990 apply to ORS 279A.140, 279A.280 and 279B.270. Any

violation of ORS 279A.140, 279A.280 or 279B.270 shall be punished as described in ORS 291.990.

(2) Any contractor, subcontractor, agent or person in authority or in charge who violates any provision of ORS

279C.520 or 279C.540 as to hours of labor commits a Class A misdemeanor.

(3) Any contractor or subcontractor subject to ORS 279C.840 who fails to pay the prevailing rate of wage as

required by ORS 279C.840 commits a Class B misdemeanor. [2003 c.794 §46; 2011 c.597 §176]

Hours of Labor

279C.540 Maximum hours of labor on public contracts; holidays; exceptions; liability to workers; rules. (1)

When labor is employed by the state or a county, school district, municipality, municipal corporation or subdivision

thereof through a contractor, a person may not be required or permitted to labor more than 10 hours in any one day,

or 40 hours in any one week, except in cases of necessity or emergency or when the public policy absolutely

requires it, in which event, the person so employed for excessive hours shall receive at least time and a half pay:

(a)(A) For all overtime in excess of eight hours in any one day or 40 hours in any one week when the work week is

five consecutive days, Monday through Friday; or

(B) For all overtime in excess of 10 hours in any one day or 40 hours in any one week when the work week is four

consecutive days, Monday through Friday; and

(b) For all work performed on Saturday and on the following legal holidays:

(A) Each Sunday.

(B) New Year’s Day on January 1.

(D) Independence Day on July 4.

(E) Labor Day on the first Monday in September.

(F) Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday in November.

(G) Christmas Day on December 25.

(2) An employer shall give notice in writing to employees who perform work under subsection (1) of this section,

either at the time of hire or before commencement of work on the contract, or by posting a notice in a location

frequented by employees, of the number of hours per day and days per week that employees may be required to

work.

(3) For the purpose of this section, each time a legal holiday, other than Sunday, listed in subsection (1) of this

section falls on Sunday, the succeeding Monday shall be recognized as a legal holiday. Each time a legal holiday

listed in subsection (1) of this section falls on Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be recognized as a legal holiday.

(4) Subsections (1) to (3) of this section do not apply to a public improvement contract or a contract for services if

the contractor is a party to a collective bargaining agreement in effect with any labor organization.

(5) When specifically agreed to under a written labor-management negotiated labor agreement, an employee may

be paid at least time and a half pay for work performed on any legal holiday specified in ORS 187.010 and 187.020

that is not listed in subsection (1) of this section.

(6) This section does not apply to contracts for personal services as defined in ORS 279C.100, provided that

persons employed under such contracts shall receive at least time and a half pay for work performed on the legal

holidays specified in subsection (1)(b)(B) to (G) of this section and for all overtime worked in excess of 40 hours in

any one week, except for individuals under personal services contracts who are excluded under ORS 653.010 to

653.261 or under 29 U.S.C. 201 to 209 from receiving overtime.

(7) Subsections (1) and (2) of this section do not apply to contracts for services at a county fair or for other events

authorized by a county fair board if persons employed under the contract receive at least time and a half for work in

excess of 10 hours in any one day or 40 hours in any one week.

(8)(a) Subsections (1) and (2) of this section do not apply to contracts for services. However, persons employed

under such contracts shall receive at least time and a half pay for work performed on the legal holidays specified in

a collective bargaining agreement or in subsection (1)(b)(B) to (G) of this section and for all time worked in excess

of 10 hours in any one day or in excess of 40 hours in any one week, whichever is greater.

(b) An employer shall give notice in writing to employees who work on a contract for services, either at the time of

hire or before commencement of work on the contract, or by posting a notice in a location frequented by

employees, of the number of hours per day and days per week that the employees may be required to work.

(9) Any contractor or subcontractor or contractor’s or subcontractor’s surety that violates the provisions of this

section is liable to the affected employees in the amount of their unpaid overtime wages and in an additional

amount equal to the unpaid overtime wages as liquidated damages. If the violation results from willful falsification

of payroll records, the contractor or subcontractor or contractor’s or subcontractor’s surety is liable to the affected

employees in the amount of their unpaid overtime wages and an additional amount equal to twice the unpaid

overtime wages as liquidated damages.

(10) An action to enforce liability to employees under subsection (9) of this section may be brought as an action on

the contractor’s payment bond as provided for in ORS 279C.610.

(11) In accordance with ORS chapter 183, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries may adopt rules

to carry out the provisions of this section. [2003 c.794 §144; 2005 c.103 §31]



279C.545 Time limitation on claim for overtime; posting of circular by contractor. When labor is employed by

the state or a county, school district, municipality, municipal corporation or subdivision thereof through another as

a contractor, any worker employed by the contractor shall be foreclosed from the right to collect for any overtime

provided in ORS 279C.540 unless a claim for payment is filed with the contractor within 90 days from the

completion of the contract, providing the contractor has:

(1) Caused a circular clearly printed in boldfaced 12-point type and containing a copy of this section to be posted in

a prominent place alongside the door of the timekeeper’s office or in a similar place that is readily available and

freely visible to workers employed on the work.

(2) Maintained the circular continuously posted from the inception to the completion of the contract on which

workers are or have been employed. [2003 c.794 §145]

Action on Payment Bonds and Public Works Bonds

279C.600 Right of action on payment bond or public works bond of contractor or subcontractor; notice of

claim. (1) A person claiming to have supplied labor or materials for the performance of the work provided for in a

public contract, including any person having a direct contractual relationship with the contractor furnishing the

payment bond or a direct contractual relationship with any subcontractor, or an assignee of such person, or a person

claiming moneys due the State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation, the Unemployment Compensation Trust

Fund or the Department of Revenue in connection with the performance of the contract, has a right of action on the

contractor’s payment bond as provided for in ORS 279C.380 and 279C.400 only if:

(a) The person or the assignee of the person has not been paid in full; and

(b) The person gives written notice of claim, as prescribed in ORS 279C.605, to the contractor and the contracting

agency.

(2) When, upon investigation, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries has received information

indicating that one or more workers providing labor on a public works have not been paid in full at the prevailing

rate of wage or overtime wages, the commissioner has a right of action first on the contractor’s public works bond

required under ORS 279C.836 and then, for any amount of a claim not satisfied by the public works bond, on the

contractor’s payment bond, as provided in ORS 279C.380 and 279C.400. When an investigation indicates that a

subcontractor’s workers have not been paid in full at the prevailing rate of wage or overtime wages, the

commissioner has a right of action first on the subcontractor’s public works bond and then, for any amount of a

claim not satisfied by the subcontractor’s public works bond, on the contractor’s payment bond. The

commissioner’s right of action exists without necessity of an assignment and extends to workers on the project who

are not identified when the written notice of claim is given, but for whom the commissioner has received

information indicating that the workers have provided labor on the public works and have not been paid in full. The

commissioner shall give written notice of the claim, as prescribed in ORS 279C.605, to the contracting agency, the

Construction Contractors Board, the contractor and, if applicable, the subcontractor. The commissioner may not

make a claim for the same unpaid wages against more than one bond under this section. [2003 c.794 §154; 2005

c.360 §3]



279C.605 Notice of claim. (1) The notice of claim required by ORS 279C.600 must be sent by registered or

certified mail or hand delivered no later than 180 days after the day the person last provided labor or furnished

materials or 180 days after the worker listed in the notice of claim by the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and

Industries last provided labor. The notice may be sent or delivered to the contractor or subcontractor at any place

the contractor or subcontractor maintains an office or conducts business or at the residence of the contractor or

subcontractor.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, if the claim is for a required contribution to a fund of an

employee benefit plan, the notice required by ORS 279C.600 must be sent or delivered within 200 days after the

employee last provided labor or materials.

(3) The notice must be in writing substantially as follows:

____________________________________________________________________________________________



To (here insert the name of the contractor or subcontractor and the name of the public body):

Notice hereby is given that the undersigned (here insert the name of the claimant) has a claim for (here insert a brief

description of the labor or materials performed or furnished and the person by whom performed or furnished; if the

claim is for other than labor or materials, insert a brief description of the claim) in the sum of (here insert the

amount) dollars against the (here insert public works bond or payment bond, as applicable) taken from (here insert

the name of the principal and, if known, the surety or sureties upon the public works bond or payment bond) for the

work of (here insert a brief description of the work concerning which the public works bond or payment bond was

taken). Such material or labor was supplied to (here insert the name of the contractor or subcontractor).



_____________________

(here to be signed)

____________________________________________________________________________________________



(4) When notice of claim is given by the commissioner and if the claim includes a worker who is then unidentified,

the commissioner shall include in the notice a statement that the claim includes an unidentified worker for whom

the commissioner has received information indicating that the worker has not been paid in full at the prevailing rate

of wage required by ORS 279C.840 or overtime wages required by ORS 279C.540.

(5) The person making the claim or giving the notice shall sign the notice. [2003 c.794 §155; 2005 c.360 §4; 2009

c.160 §1]



279C.610 Action on contractor’s public works bond or payment bond; time limitation. (1) The Commissioner

of the Bureau of Labor and Industries or a person who has a right of action on the public works bond or the

payment bond under ORS 279C.600 and, where required, who has filed and served the notice or notices of claim,

as required under ORS 279C.600 and 279C.605, or that person’s assignee, may institute an action on the

contractor’s public works bond or payment bond in a circuit court of this state or the federal district court of the

district.

(2) The action shall be on the relation of the commissioner, the claimant, or that person’s assignee, as the case may

be, and shall be in the name of the contracting agency that let the contract or, when applicable, the public agency or

agencies for whose benefit the contract was let. It may be prosecuted to final judgment and execution for the use

and benefit of the commissioner or the claimant, or that person’s assignee, as the fact may appear.

(3) The action shall be instituted no later than two years after the person last provided labor or materials or two

years after the worker listed in the commissioner’s notice of claim last provided labor. [2003 c.794 §156; 2005

c.360 §5]



279C.615 Preference for labor and material liens. All labor and material liens have preference and are superior

to all other liens and claims of any kind or nature created by ORS 279C.500 to 279C.530 and 279C.600 to

279C.625. [2003 c.794 §157]



279C.620 Rights of person providing medical care to employees of contractor. A person providing medical,

surgical or hospital care services or other needed care and attention, incident to sickness or injury, to the employees

of a contractor or subcontractor on a public contract is deemed to have performed labor on the public contract for

the purposes of ORS 279C.600 to 279C.625. [2003 c.794 §158]



279C.625 Joint liability when payment bond not executed. If the public improvement contract is one for which a

payment bond as provided for in ORS 279C.380 and 279C.400 is required and the contractor fails to pay for labor

or materials or to pay claims due the Industrial Accident Fund, the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund or the

Department of Revenue and the officers of the public body that authorized the contract fail or neglect to require the

person entering into the contract to execute the payment bond:

(1) The State of Oregon and the officers authorizing the contract shall be jointly liable for the labor and materials

used in the performance of any work under the contract, and for claims due the Industrial Accident Fund, the

Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund and the Department of Revenue, if the contract was entered into with the

State of Oregon.

(2) The public body and the officers authorizing the contract shall be jointly liable for the labor and materials used

in the performance of any work under the contract and for claims due the Industrial Accident Fund, the

Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund and the Department of Revenue, if the contract was entered into on

behalf of a public body other than the state. [2003 c.794 §159; 2005 c.103 §35]

Prevailing Wage Rate

279C.800 Definitions for ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870. As used in ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870:

(1) “Fringe benefits” means:

(a) Contributions that a contractor or subcontractor makes irrevocably to a trustee or to a third person under a plan,

fund or program; and

(b) Costs that a contractor or subcontractor may reasonably be anticipated to incur in providing the following items,

except for items that federal, state or local law requires the contractor or subcontractor to provide:

(A) Benefits to workers pursuant to an enforceable written commitment to the workers to carry out a financially

responsible plan or program for:

(i) Medical or hospital care;

(ii) Pensions on retirement or death; or

(iii) Compensation for injuries or illness that result from occupational activity;

(B) Insurance to provide the benefits described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph;

(D) Life insurance;

(E) Disability and sickness insurance or accident insurance;

(F) Vacation and holiday pay;

(G) Costs of apprenticeship or other similar programs; or

(H) Other bona fide fringe benefits.

(2) “Housing” has the meaning given that term in ORS 456.055.

(3) “Locality” means the following district in which the public works, or the major portion of the public works, is to

be performed:

(a) District 1, composed of Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook Counties;

(b) District 2, composed of Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties;

(d) District 4, composed of Benton, Lincoln and Linn Counties;

(e) District 5, composed of Lane County;

(f) District 6, composed of Douglas County;

(g) District 7, composed of Coos and Curry Counties;

(h) District 8, composed of Jackson and Josephine Counties;

(i) District 9, composed of Hood River, Sherman and Wasco Counties;

(j) District 10, composed of Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties;

(k) District 11, composed of Klamath and Lake Counties;

(L) District 12, composed of Gilliam, Grant, Morrow, Umatilla and Wheeler Counties;

(m) District 13, composed of Baker, Union and Wallowa Counties; and

(n) District 14, composed of Harney and Malheur Counties.

(4) “Prevailing rate of wage” means the rate of hourly wage, including all fringe benefits, that the Commissioner of

the Bureau of Labor and Industries determines is paid in the locality to the majority of workers employed on

projects of a similar character in the same trade or occupation.

(5) “Public agency” means the State of Oregon or a political subdivision of the State of Oregon, or a county, city,

district, authority, public corporation or public entity organized and existing under law or charter or an

instrumentality of the county, city, district, authority, public corporation or public entity.

(6)(a) “Public works” includes, but is not limited to:

(A) Roads, highways, buildings, structures and improvements of all types, the construction, reconstruction, major

renovation or painting of which is carried on or contracted for by any public agency to serve the public interest;

(B) A project that uses $750,000 or more of funds of a public agency for constructing, reconstructing, painting or

performing a major renovation on a road, highway, building, structure or improvement of any type;

structure or improvement of any type in which a public agency will use or occupy 25 percent or more of the square

footage of the completed project;

(D) Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 279C.810 (2)(a), (b) and (c), a device, structure or mechanism, or a

combination of devices, structures or mechanisms, that:

(i) Uses solar radiation as a source for generating heat, cooling or electrical energy; and

(ii) Is constructed or installed, with or without using funds of a public agency, on land, premises, structures or

buildings that a public body, as defined in ORS 174.109, owns; or

(E) Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(A) of this subsection and ORS 279C.810 (2)(b) and (c), construction,

reconstruction, painting or major renovation of a road, highway, building, structure or improvement of any type that

occurs, with or without using funds of a public agency, on real property that a public university listed in ORS

352.002 owns.

(b) “Public works” does not include:

(A) Reconstructing or renovating privately owned property that a public agency leases; or

(B) A private nonprofit entity’s renovation of publicly owned real property that is more than 75 years old if:

(i) The real property is leased to the private nonprofit entity for more than 25 years;

(ii) Funds of a public agency used in the renovation do not exceed 15 percent of the total cost of the renovation; and

(iii) Contracts for the renovation were advertised or, if not advertised, were entered into before July 1, 2003, but the

renovation has not been completed on or before July 13, 2007. [2003 c.794 §165; 2007 c.764 §34; 2010 c.45 §1;

2013 c.203 §1; 2015 c.482 §1; 2015 c.767 §81]



279C.805 Policy. The Legislative Assembly declares that the purposes of the prevailing rate of wage law are:

(1) To ensure that contractors compete on the ability to perform work competently and efficiently while

maintaining community-established compensation standards.

(2) To recognize that local participation in publicly financed construction and family wage income and benefits are

essential to the protection of community standards.

(3) To encourage training and education of workers to industry skills standards.

(4) To encourage employers to use funds allocated for employee fringe benefits for the actual purchase of those

benefits. [2003 c.794 §166]



279C.807 Workforce diversity for public works projects. (1) The Bureau of Labor and Industries shall develop

and adopt a plan to increase diversity statewide among workers employed on projects subject to ORS 279C.800 to

279C.870. The bureau shall develop the plan after conducting a statewide public process to solicit proposals to

increase diversity and shall adopt the plan after considering proposals submitted to the bureau.

(2) The bureau shall report each year to the Legislative Assembly or to the appropriate legislative interim

committee concerning progress that results from the plan adopted under this section and may submit

recommendations for legislation or other measures that will improve diversity among workers employed on

projects subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870. The bureau shall submit the first report no later than January 1,

2009. [2007 c.844 §9]



Note: 279C.807 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS

chapter 279C or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further

explanation.



279C.808 Rules. In accordance with applicable provisions of ORS chapter 183, the Commissioner of the Bureau of

Labor and Industries shall adopt rules necessary to administer ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870. [2007 c.764 §45]



279C.810 Exemptions; rules. (1) As used in this section:

(a) “Funds of a public agency” does not include:

(A) Funds provided in the form of a government grant to a nonprofit organization, unless the government grant is

issued for the purpose of construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting;

(B) Building and development permit fees paid or waived by the public agency;

(D) Land that a public agency sells to a private entity at fair market value;

(E) The difference between:

(i) The value of land that a public agency sells to a private entity as determined at the time of the sale after taking

into account any plan, requirement, covenant, condition, restriction or other limitation, exclusive of zoning or land

use regulations, that the public agency imposes on the development or use of the land; and

(ii) The fair market value of the land if the land is not subject to the limitations described in sub-subparagraph (i) of

this subparagraph;

(F) Staff resources of the public agency used to manage a project or to provide a principal source of supervision,

coordination or oversight of a project;

(G) Staff resources of the public agency used to design or inspect one or more components of a project;

(H) Moneys derived from the sale of bonds that are loaned by a state agency to a private entity, unless the moneys

will be used for a public improvement;

(I) Value added to land as a consequence of a public agency’s site preparation, demolition of real property or

remediation or removal of environmental contamination, except for value added in excess of the expenses the

public agency incurred in the site preparation, demolition or remediation or removal when the land is sold for use in

a project otherwise subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870; or

(J) Bonds, or loans from the proceeds of bonds, issued in accordance with ORS chapter 289 or ORS 441.525 to

441.595, unless the bonds or loans will be used for a public improvement.

(b) “Nonprofit organization” means an organization or group of organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the

Internal Revenue Code that is exempt from income tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(2) ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 do not apply to:

(a) Projects for which the contract price does not exceed $50,000. In determining the price of a project, a public

agency:

(A) May not include the value of donated materials or work performed on the project by individuals volunteering to

the public agency without pay; and

(B) Shall include the value of work performed by every person paid by a contractor or subcontractor in any manner

for the person’s work on the project.

(b) Projects for which no funds of a public agency are directly or indirectly used. In accordance with ORS chapter

183, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this

paragraph.

(A) That are privately owned;

(B) That use funds of a private entity;

agency; and

(D) For which less than $750,000 of funds of a public agency are used.

(d) Projects for residential construction that are privately owned and that predominantly provide affordable

housing. As used in this paragraph:

(A) “Affordable housing” means housing that serves occupants whose incomes are no greater than 60 percent of the

area median income or, if the occupants are owners, whose incomes are no greater than 80 percent of the area

median income.

(B) “Predominantly” means 60 percent or more.

(i) Affordable housing provided on real property owned by a public agency if the real property and related

structures are leased to a private entity for 50 or more years; and

(ii) Affordable housing owned by a partnership, nonprofit corporation or limited liability company in which a

housing authority, as defined in ORS 456.005, is a general partner, director or managing member and the housing

authority is not a majority owner in the partnership, nonprofit corporation or limited liability company.

(D) “Residential construction” includes the construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting of single-

family houses or apartment buildings not more than four stories in height and all incidental items, such as site work,

parking areas, utilities, streets and sidewalks, pursuant to the United States Department of Labor’s “All Agency

Memorandum No. 130: Application of the Standard of Comparison “Projects of a Character Similar” Under Davis-

Bacon and Related Acts,” dated March 17, 1978. However, the commissioner may consider different definitions of

residential construction in determining whether a project is a residential construction project for purposes of this

paragraph, including definitions that:

(i) Exist in local ordinances or codes; or

(ii) Differ, in the prevailing practice of a particular trade or occupation, from the United States Department of

Labor’s description of residential construction. [2003 c.794 §172; 2005 c.153 §1; 2005 c.360 §8; 2007 c.764 §35]



279C.815 Determination of prevailing wage; sources of information; comparison of state and federal

prevailing wage; other powers of commissioner. (1) As used in this section, “person” means an employer, a labor

organization or an official representative of an employee or employer association.

(2)(a) The Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries at least once each year shall determine the

prevailing rate of wage for workers in each trade or occupation in each locality described in ORS 279C.800 by

means of an independent wage survey and shall make this information available at least twice each year. The

commissioner may amend the rate at any time.

(b) If the data derived only from the survey described in paragraph (a) of this subsection appear to the

commissioner to be insufficient to determine the prevailing rate of wage, the commissioner shall consider

additional information such as collective bargaining agreements, other independent wage surveys and the prevailing

rates of wage determined by appropriate federal agencies or agencies of adjoining states. If there is not a majority in

the same trade or occupation paid at the same rate, the average rate of hourly wage, including all fringe benefits,

paid in the locality to workers in the same trade or occupation is the prevailing rate. If the wage a contractor or

subcontractor pays to workers on a public works is based on a period of time other than an hour, the hourly wage

must be mathematically determined by the number of hours worked in that period of time.

(3) A person shall make reports and returns to the Bureau of Labor and Industries that the commissioner requires to

determine the prevailing rates of wage, using forms the bureau provides and within the time the commissioner

prescribes. The person or an authorized representative of the person shall certify to the accuracy of the reports and

returns.

(4) Notwithstanding ORS 192.311 to 192.478, reports and returns or other information provided to the

commissioner under this section are confidential and not available for inspection by the public.

(5) The commissioner may enter into a contract with a public or private party to obtain data and information the

commissioner needs to determine the prevailing rate of wage. The contract may provide for the manner and extent

of the market review of affected trades and occupations and for other requirements regarding timelines of reports,

accuracy of data and information and supervision and review as the commissioner prescribes. [2003 c.794 §173;

2005 c.360 §9; 2007 c.764 §36; 2007 c.844 §3; 2011 c.265 §1]



279C.817 Determination of applicability of prevailing wage rate; time limitation; hearing; rules. (1) The

Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries shall, upon the request of a public agency or other interested

person, make a determination about whether a project or propose

d project is or would be a public works on which

payment of the prevailing rate of wage is or would be required under ORS 279C.840.

(2) The requester shall provide the commissioner with information necessary to enable the commissioner to make

the determination.

(3) The commissioner shall make the determination within 60 days after receiving the request or 60 days after the

requester has provided the commissioner with the information necessary to enable the commissioner to make the

determination, whichever is later. The commissioner may take additional time to make the determination if the

commissioner and the requester mutually agree that the commissioner may do so.

(4) The commissioner shall afford the requester or a person adversely affected or aggrieved by the commissioner’s

determination a hearing in accordance with ORS 183.413 to 183.470. An order the commissioner issues under ORS

183.413 to 183.470 is subject to judicial review as provided in ORS 183.482.

(5) The commissioner shall adopt rules establishing the process for requesting and making the determinations

described in this section. [2007 c.764 §43]



279C.820 Advisory committee to assist commissioner. (1) The Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and

Industries shall appoint an advisory committee to assist the commissioner in the administration of ORS 279C.800

to 279C.870.

(2) The advisory committee must include equal representation of members from management and labor in the

building and construction industry who perform work on public works contracts and such other interested parties as

the commissioner shall appoint. [2003 c.794 §179]



279C.825 Fees; rules. (1)(a) The Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries, by order, shall establish a

fee to be paid by the public agency that awards a public works contract subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870. The

commissioner shall use the fee to pay the costs of:

(A) Surveys to determine the prevailing rates of wage;

(B) Administering and providing investigations under and enforcement of ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870; and

(b) The commissioner shall establish the fee at 0.1 percent of the contract price. However, in no event may a fee be

charged and collected that is less than $250 or more than $7,500.

(2) The commissioner shall pay moneys received under this section into the State Treasury. The moneys shall be

credited to the Prevailing Wage Education and Enforcement Account created by ORS 651.185.

(3) The public agency shall pay the fee at the time the public agency notifies the commissioner under ORS

279C.835 a contract subject to the provisions of ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 has been awarded. [2003 c.794 §178;

2007 c.844 §7; 2009 c.161 §1; 2009 c.788 §1]



279C.827 Division of public works project; applicability of prevailing wage rate to divided projects. (1)(a) A

person or public agency may not divide a public works project into more than one contract for the purpose of

avoiding compliance with ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870.

(b) If the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries determines that a person or public agency has

divided a public works project into more than one contract for the purpose of avoiding compliance with ORS

279C.800 to 279C.870, the commissioner shall issue an order compelling compliance.

(A) The physical separation of the project structures;

(B) The timing of the work on project phases or structures;

(D) The manner in which the public agency and the contractors administer and implement the project;

(E) Whether a single public works project includes several types of improvements or structures; and

(F) Whether the combined improvements or structures have an overall purpose or function.

(2)(a) The commissioner may apply the considerations set forth in subsection (1)(c) of this section to determine

whether to divide a public works project into more than one contract, regardless of whether the commissioner

believes that a person or public agency divided the public works project for the purpose of avoiding compliance

with ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870.

(b) If a project is a public works project of the type described in ORS 279C.800 (6)(a)(B) or (C), the commissioner

shall divide the project, if appropriate, after applying the considerations set forth in subsection (1)(c) of this section

to separate the parts of the project that include funds of a public agency or that will be occupied or used by a public

agency from the parts of the project that do not include funds of a public agency and that will not be occupied or

used by a public agency. If the commissioner divides the project, any part of the project that does not include funds

of a public agency and that will not be occupied or used by a public agency is not subject to ORS 279C.800 to

279C.870.

(3) If a project includes parts that are owned by a public agency and parts that are owned by a private entity, the

commissioner shall divide the project, if appropriate, after applying the considerations set forth in subsections

(1)(c) and (2)(b) of this section to separate the parts of the project that are public works from the parts of the project

that are not public works. If the commissioner divides the project, parts of the project that are not public works are

not subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870. [2007 c.764 §44; 2017 c.334 §1]



279C.829 Agreement with other state to pay less than prevailing rate of wage. Notwithstanding any other

provision of law, a contracting agency may not enter into an agreement with another state or a political subdivision

or agency of another state in which the contracting agency agrees that a contractor or subcontractor may pay less

than the prevailing rate of wage determined in accordance with ORS 279C.815 under the terms of a contract for

public works to which the contracting agency is a party or of which the contracting agency is a beneficiary. [2009

c.322 §2]



279C.830 Provisions concerning prevailing rate of wage in specifications, contracts and subcontracts;

applicability of prevailing wage; bond. (1)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this subsection, the

specifications for every contract for public works must state the existing state prevailing rate of wage and, if

applicable, the federal prevailing rate of wage required under the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141 et seq.) that

must be paid to workers in each trade or occupation that the contractor or subcontractor or other person who is a

party to the contract uses in performing all or part of the contract. If the prevailing rates of wage are available

electronically or are accessible on the Internet, the specifications may incorporate the rates by referring to the

electronically accessible or Internet-accessible rates and by providing adequate information about how to access the

rates.

(b) If a public agency under paragraph (a) of this subsection must state the state and federal prevailing rates of wage

in the specifications, the public agency shall also require the contractor to pay the higher of the applicable state or

federal prevailing rate of wage to all workers on the public works.

hourly rate of wage in accordance with ORS 279C.838 and 279C.840.

(d) If a public works project is subject both to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 and to the Davis-Bacon Act, every

contract and subcontract must provide that workers on the public works must be paid not less than the higher of the

applicable state or federal prevailing rate of wage.

(e) A public works project described in ORS 279C.800 (6)(a)(B) or (C) is subject to the existing state prevailing

rate of wage or, if applicable, the federal prevailing rate of wage required under the Davis-Bacon Act that is in

effect at the time a public agency enters into an agreement with a private entity for the project. After that time, the

specifications for a contract for the public works must state the applicable prevailing rate of wage.

(2)(a) The specifications for a contract for public works must provide that the contractor and every subcontractor

must have a public works bond filed with the Construction Contractors Board before starting work on the project,

unless the contractor or subcontractor is exempt under ORS 279C.836 (4), (7), (8) or (9).

(b) Every contract that a contracting agency awards must require the contractor to:

(A) Have a public works bond filed with the Construction Contractors Board before starting work on the project,

unless the contractor is exempt under ORS 279C.836 (4), (7), (8) or (9).

(B) Require, in every subcontract, that the subcontractor have a public works bond filed with the Construction

Contractors Board before starting work on the project, unless the subcontractor is exempt under ORS 279C.836 (4),

(7), (8) or (9).

a contractor and a public agency must require any subcontractor to have a public works bond filed with the

Construction Contractors Board before starting work on the public works project, unless the subcontractor is

exempt under ORS 279C.836 (4), (7), (8) or (9). [2003 c.794 §168; 2005 c.360 §10; 2007 c.415 §2; 2007 c.764

§37; 2007 c.844 §4; 2009 c.161 §2; 2011 c.265 §2; 2017 c.334 §2]



279C.835 Notifying commissioner of public works contract subject to prevailing wage; payment of fee. Public

agencies shall notify the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries in writing, on a form prescribed by

the commissioner, whenever a contract subject to the provisions of ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 has been awarded.

The notification shall be made within 30 days of the date that the contract is awarded. The notification shall include

payment of the fee required under ORS 279C.825 and a copy of the disclosure of first-tier subcontractors that was

submitted under ORS 279C.370. [2003 c.794 §175; 2009 c.161 §3]



279C.836 Public works bond; rules. (1) Except as provided in subsection (4), (7), (8) or (9) of this section, before

starting work on a contract or subcontract for a public works project, a contractor or subcontractor shall file with

the Construction Contractors Board a public works bond with a corporate surety authorized to do business in this

state in the amount of $30,000. The bond must provide that the contractor or subcontractor will pay claims ordered

by the Bureau of Labor and Industries to workers performing labor upon public works projects. The bond must be a

continuing obligation, and the surety’s liability for the aggregate of claims that may be payable from the bond may

not exceed the penal sum of the bond. The bond must remain in effect continuously until depleted by claims paid

under this section, unless the surety sooner cancels the bond. The surety may cancel the bond by giving 30 days’

written notice to the contractor or subcontractor, to the board and to the Bureau of Labor and Industries. Canceling

the bond relieves the surety of further liability for work performed on contracts entered into after the cancellation.

The cancellation does not limit the surety’s liability for work performed on contracts entered into before the

cancellation.

(2) Before permitting a subcontractor to start work on a public works project, the contractor shall verify that the

subcontractor has filed a public works bond as required under this section, has elected not to file a public works

bond under subsection (7) or (8) of this section or is exempt under subsection (4) or (9) of this section.

(3) This section does not require a contractor or subcontractor to file a separate public works bond for each public

works project for which the contractor or subcontractor has a contract.

(4) This section does not require a person that is not required under ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 to pay prevailing

rates of wage on a public works project to file a public works bond under this section.

(5) A public works bond required by this section is in addition to any other bond the contractor or subcontractor is

required to obtain.

(6) The board may, by rule, require a contractor or subcontractor to obtain a new public works bond if a surety pays

a claim out of an existing public works bond. The new bond must be in the amount of $30,000. The board may

allow a contractor or subcontractor to obtain, instead of a new bond, a certification that the surety remains liable for

the full penal sum of the existing bond, notwithstanding payment by the surety on the claim.

(7)(a) A disadvantaged business enterprise, a minority-owned business, a woman-owned business, a business that a

service-disabled veteran owns or an emerging small business certified under ORS 200.055 may, for up to four years

after certification, elect not to file a public works bond as required under subsection (1) this section. If an enterprise

or a business elects not to file a public works bond, the enterprise or business shall give the board written

verification of the certification and written notice that the enterprise or business elects not to file the bond.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, if the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries

finds that an enterprise or a business has violated a provision of ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 or an administrative

rule adopted under ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870, the enterprise or business must file a public works bond in

accordance with subsection (1) of this section.

public agency for whose benefit the contract was awarded or, if the enterprise or business is a subcontractor, the

contractor of the election before starting work on a public works project. If an enterprise or a business elects not to

file a public works bond under this subsection, a claim for unpaid wages may be made against the payment bond of

the enterprise or business or, if the enterprise or business is a subcontractor, the payment bond of the contractor.

(d) An election not to file a public works bond expires four years after the date the enterprise or business is

certified. After an election has expired and before starting or continuing work on a contract or subcontract for a

public works project, the enterprise or business shall file a public works bond with the board in accordance with

subsection (1) of this section.

(8) A contractor or subcontractor may elect not to file the public works bond required under subsection (1) of this

section for any public works project for which the contract price does not exceed $100,000.

(9) In cases of emergency, or if the interest or property of the public agency for whose benefit the contract was

awarded probably would suffer material injury by delay or other cause, the requirement for filing a public works

bond may be excused, if a declaration of the emergency is made in accordance with rules adopted under ORS

279A.065.

(10) The board shall make available on a searchable public website information concerning public works bonds

filed with the board, claims made on those bonds, elections made by certified business enterprises not to file those

bonds and the expiration date of each election. The board may adopt rules necessary to perform the duties required

of the board by this section.

(11) The commissioner, with approval of the board, shall adopt rules that establish language for public works

bonds. [2005 c.360 §2; 2007 c.415 §1; 2007 c.764 §38; 2015 c.565 §16; 2017 c.334 §3]



279C.838 Applicability of state and federal rates of wage; determination of site of project; determination of

applicability of wage to transportation workers; waiver. When a public works project is subject to the Davis-

Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141 et seq.):

(1) If the state prevailing rate of wage is higher than the federal prevailing rate of wage, the contractor and every

subcontractor on the project shall pay at least the state prevailing rate of wage as determined under ORS 279C.815;

(2) The Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries shall determine the site of the project in a manner

consistent with the term “site of the work” as that term is used in federal law and in regulations adopted or

guidelines issued in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act;

(3) The commissioner shall determine in a manner that is consistent with federal law and regulations adopted or

guidelines issued in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act whether workers transporting materials and supplies to

and from the site of the project are subject to the Davis-Bacon Act and are entitled to be paid the prevailing rate of

wage;

(4) Except as provided in subsection (1) of this section, the commissioner, in consultation with the advisory

committee appointed under ORS 279C.820, may administer and enforce ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 in a manner

that is consistent with federal law and regulations adopted or guidelines issued in accordance with the Davis-Bacon

Act. The commissioner may provide a waiver from a requirement set forth in ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 if

necessary to achieve consistency with the Davis-Bacon Act and to further the purposes of ORS 279C.805; and

(5) ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 do not apply to workers enrolled in skill training programs that are certified by the

United States Secretary of Transportation under the Federal-Aid Highway Act (23 U.S.C. 113(c)). [2005 c.360 §7;

2007 c.844 §5]



279C.840 Payment of prevailing rate of wage; posting of rates and fringe benefit plan provisions. (1) The

hourly rate of wage that a contractor or subcontractor must pay to workers upon all public works may not be less

than the prevailing rate of wage for an hour’s work in the same trade or occupation in the locality where the labor is

performed. A contractor or subcontractor may discharge the obligation to pay the prevailing rate of wage by

making the payments in cash, by making contributions of a type described in ORS 279C.800 (1)(a), or by assuming

an enforceable commitment to bear the costs of fringe benefits of a type described in ORS 279C.800 (1)(b), or any

combination of payments, contributions and assumption of costs, where the aggregate of any such payments,

contributions and assumption of costs is not less than the prevailing rate of wage. The contractor or subcontractor

shall pay all wages due and owing to the contractor’s or subcontractor’s workers upon public works on the regular

payday established and maintained under ORS 652.120.

(2) After a contract for public works is executed with any contractor or work is commenced upon any public works,

a contractor or subcontractor may not subject the amount of the prevailing rate of wage to attack in any legal

proceeding in connection with that contract.

(3) It is not a defense in any legal proceeding that the prevailing rate of wage is less than the amount required to be

in the specifications of a contract for public works, or that the employee agreed with the employer to work at less

than the wage rates required to be paid under this section.

(4) Every contractor or subcontractor engaged on a project for which there is a contract for a public works shall

keep the prevailing rates of wage for that project posted in a conspicuous and accessible place in or about the

project. The Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries shall furnish without charge copies of the

prevailing rates of wage to contractors and subcontractors.

(5) Every contractor or subcontractor engaged on a project for which there is a contract for a public works to which

the prevailing wage requirements apply that also provides or contributes to a health and welfare plan or a pension

plan, or both, for the contractor or subcontractor’s employees on the project shall post a notice describing the plan

in a conspicuous and accessible place in or about the project. The notice preferably shall be posted in the same

place as the notice required under subsection (4) of this section. In addition to the description of the plan, the notice

shall contain information on how and where to make claims and where to obtain further information.

(6)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this subsection, a person other than the contractor or subcontractor

may not pay or contribute any portion of the prevailing rate of wage paid by the contractor or subcontractor to

workers employed in the performance of a public works contract.

(b) A contractor or subcontractor violates paragraph (a) of this subsection if a person other than the contractor or

subcontractor pays or contributes any portion of the prevailing rate of wage that the contractor or subcontractor

owes or pays to workers who perform labor on a public works project or the person assumes an enforceable

commitment to bear the costs of fringe benefits of a type described in ORS 279C.800 (1)(b) that the contractor or

subcontractor provides.

contract.

(d) This subsection does not prohibit:

(A) Payments to a worker who is enrolled in any government-subsidized training or retraining program; or

(B) A surety or public agency from paying the prevailing rate of wage.

(7) A person may not take any action that circumvents the payment of the prevailing rate of wage to workers

employed on a public works contract, including, but not limited to, reducing an employee’s regular rate of pay on

any project that is not subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 in a manner that has the effect of offsetting the

prevailing rate of wage on a public works project. [2003 c.794 §167; 2009 c.161 §4; 2017 c.334 §4]



279C.845 Certified statements regarding payment of prevailing r

ates of wage; retainage. (1) The contractor or

the contractor’s surety and every subcontractor or the subcontractor’s surety shall file certified statements with the

public agency in writing, on a form prescribed by the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries,

certifying:

(a) The hourly rate of wage paid each worker whom the contractor or the subcontractor has employed upon the

public works; and

(b) That no worker employed upon the public works has been paid less than the prevailing rate of wage or less than

the minimum hourly rate of wage specified in the contract.

(2) The certified statement shall be verified by the oath of the contractor or the contractor’s surety or subcontractor

or the subcontractor’s surety that the contractor or subcontractor has read the certified statement, that the contractor

or subcontractor knows the contents of the certified statement and that to the contractor or subcontractor’s

knowledge the certified statement is true.

(3) The certified statements shall set out accurately and completely the contractor’s or subcontractor’s payroll

records, including the name and address of each worker, the worker’s correct classification, rate of pay, daily and

weekly number of hours worked and the gross wages the worker earned upon the public works during each week

identified in the certified statement.

(4) The contractor or subcontractor shall deliver or mail each certified statement required by subsection (1) of this

section to the public agency. Certified statements for each week during which the contractor or subcontractor

employs a worker upon the public works shall be submitted once a month, by the fifth business day of the

following month. Information submitted on certified statements may be used only to ensure compliance with the

provisions of ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870.

(5) Each contractor or subcontractor shall preserve the certified statements for a period of three years from the date

of completion of the contract.

(6) Certified statements received by a public agency are public records subject to the provisions of ORS 192.311 to

192.478.

(7) Notwithstanding ORS 279C.555 or 279C.570 (7), if a contractor is required to file certified statements under

this section, the public agency shall retain 25 percent of any amount earned by the contractor on the public works

until the contractor has filed with the public agency certified statements as required by this section. The public

agency shall pay the contractor the amount retained under this subsection within 14 days after the contractor files

the certified statements as required by this section, regardless of whether a subcontractor has failed to file certified

statements as required by this section. The public agency is not required to verify the truth of the contents of

certified statements filed by the contractor under this section.

(8) Notwithstanding ORS 279C.555, the contractor shall retain 25 percent of any amount earned by a first-tier

subcontractor on a public works until the subcontractor has filed with the public agency certified statements as

required by this section. The contractor shall verify that the first-tier subcontractor has filed the certified statements

before the contractor may pay the subcontractor any amount retained under this subsection. The contractor shall

pay the first-tier subcontractor the amount retained under this subsection within 14 days after the subcontractor files

the certified statements as required by this section. Neither the public agency nor the contractor is required to verify

the truth of the contents of certified statements filed by a first-tier subcontractor under this section. [2003 c.794

§169; 2005 c.360 §11; 2009 c.7 §1]



279C.850 Inspection to determine whether prevailing rate of wage being paid; civil action for failure to pay

prevailing rate of wage or overtime. (1) At any reasonable time the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and

Industries may enter the office or business establishment of any contractor or subcontractor performing public

works and gather facts and information necessary to determine whether the prevailing rate of wage is actually being

paid by such contractor or subcontractor to workers upon public works.

(2) Upon request by the commissioner, every contractor or subcontractor performing work on public works shall

make available to the commissioner for inspection during normal business hours any payroll or other records in the

possession or under the control of the contractor or subcontractor that are deemed necessary by the commissioner to

determine whether the prevailing rate of wage is actually being paid by such contractor or subcontractor to workers

upon public works. The commissioner’s request must be made a reasonable time in advance of the inspection.

(3) Notwithstanding ORS 192.311 to 192.478, any record obtained or made by the commissioner under this section

is not open to inspection by the public.

(4) The commissioner may, without necessity of an assignment, initiate legal proceedings against employers to

enjoin future failures to pay required prevailing rates of wage or overtime pay and to require the payment of

prevailing rates of wage or overtime pay due employees. The commissioner is entitled to recover, in addition to

other costs, such sum as the court or judge may determine reasonable as attorney fees. If the commissioner does not

prevail in the action, the commissioner shall pay all costs and disbursements from the Bureau of Labor and

Industries Account. [2003 c.794 §170]



279C.855 Liability for violations. (1) A contractor or subcontractor or contractor’s or subcontractor’s surety that

violates the provisions of ORS 279C.840 is liable to the workers affected in the amount of the workers’ unpaid

minimum wages, including all fringe benefits, and in an additional amount equal to the unpaid wages as liquidated

damages.

(2) Actions to enforce liability to workers under subsection (1) of this section may be brought as actions on

contractors’ bonds as provided for in ORS 279C.610.

(3) If a public agency fails to provide in the advertisement for bids, the request for bids, the contract specifications,

the accepted bid or elsewhere in the contract documents that the contractor and any subcontractor must comply

with ORS 279C.840, the liability of the public agency for unpaid minimum wages, as described in subsection (1) of

this section, is joint and several with a contractor or subcontractor that had notice of the requirement to comply with

ORS 279C.840.

(4) If a public works project is subject to the Davis-Bacon Act, 40 U.S.C. 3141 et seq., and a public agency fails to

include the state and federal prevailing rates of wage in the specifications for the contract for public works as

required under ORS 279C.830 (1)(a), or fails to provide in the contract that workers on the public works must be

paid not less than the higher of the applicable state or federal prevailing rate of wage as required under ORS

279C.830 (1)(d), the public agency is liable to each affected worker for:

(a) The worker’s unpaid minimum wages, including fringe benefits, in an amount that equals, for each hour

worked, the difference between the applicable higher rate of wage and the lower rate of wage; and

(b) An additional amount, equal to the amount of unpaid minimum wages due under paragraph (a) of this

subsection, as liquidated damages.

(5) The Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries may enforce the provisions of subsections (3) and (4)

of this section by a civil action under ORS 279C.850 (4), by a civil action on an assigned wage claim under ORS

652.330, or by an administrative proceeding on an assigned wage claim under ORS 652.332. [2003 c.794 §171;

2007 c.844 §6; 2011 c.265 §3]



279C.860 Ineligibility for public works contracts for failure to pay or post notice of prevailing rates of wage;

certified payroll reports to commissioner. (1) A contractor or a subcontractor or a firm, corporation, partnership,

limited liability company or association in which the contractor or subcontractor has a financial interest may not

receive a contract or subcontract for public works for a period of three years after the date on which the

Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries publishes the contractor’s or subcontractor’s name on the list

described in subsection (2) of this section. The commissioner shall add a contractor’s or subcontractor’s name to

the list after determining, in accordance with ORS chapter 183, that:

(a) The contractor or subcontractor intentionally failed or refused to pay the prevailing rate of wage to workers

employed upon public works;

(b) The contractor failed to pay to the contractor’s employees amounts required under ORS 279C.840 and a surety

or another person paid the amounts on the contractor’s behalf;

the contractor, a surety or another person paid the amounts on the subcontractor’s behalf;

(d) The contractor or subcontractor intentionally failed or refused to post the prevailing rates of wage as required

under ORS 279C.840 (4); or

(e) The contractor or subcontractor intentionally falsified information in the certified statements the contractor or

subcontractor submitted under ORS 279C.845.

(2) The commissioner shall maintain a written list of the names of contractors and subcontractors the commissioner

determines are ineligible under this section and the period of time for which the contractors and subcontractors are

ineligible. The commissioner shall publish the list, furnish a copy of the list upon request and make the list

available to contracting agencies.

(3) If a contractor or subcontractor is a corporation or a limited liability company, the provisions of this section

apply to any corporate officer or agent of the corporation or any member or manager of the limited liability

company who is responsible for failing or refusing to pay or post the prevailing rate of wage, failing to pay to the

contractor’s employees amounts required under ORS 279C.840 that a surety or other person pays on the

contractor’s behalf, failing to pay to a subcontractor’s employees amounts required under ORS 279C.840 that the

contractor, a surety or another person pays on the subcontractor’s behalf or intentionally falsifying information in

the certified statements the contractor or subcontractor submits under ORS 279C.845.

(4) For good cause shown, the commissioner may remove the name of a contractor or subcontractor from the

ineligible list.

(5) If a prevailing rate of wage claim is filed or the commissioner receives evidence indicating that a violation has

occurred, a contractor or subcontractor required to pay the prevailing rate of wage to workers employed upon

public works under ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 shall send a certif

ied copy of the payroll for workers employed

upon public works when the commissioner requests the certified copy. [2003 c.794 §174; 2009 c.107 §1; 2013

c.239 §1; 2017 c.334 §5]



279C.865 Civil penalties. (1) In addition to any other penalty provided by law, the Commissioner of the Bureau of

Labor and Industries may assess a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for each violation of any provision of ORS

279C.800 to 279C.870 or any rule the commissioner adopted under ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870.

(2) For purposes of this section, a failure to pay the required prevailing rate of wage and a failure to pay required

fringe benefits are separate violations.

(3) Civil penalties under this section must be imposed as provided in ORS 183.745.

(4) All moneys collected as penalties under this section must be applied first toward reimbursing costs incurred in

determining violations, conducting hearings and assessing and collecting the penalties. The remainder, if any, of

moneys collected as penalties under this section must be paid into the State Treasury and credited to the General

Fund and are available for general governmental expenses. [2003 c.794 §177; 2017 c.334 §6]



279C.870 Civil action to enforce payment of prevailing rates of wage. (1) The Commissioner of the Bureau of

Labor and Industries or any other person may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction to require a

public agency under a public contract with a contractor to withhold twice the wages in dispute if it is shown that the

contractor or subcontractor on the contract has intentionally failed or refused to pay the prevailing rate of wage to

workers employed on that contract and to require the contractor to pay the prevailing rate of wage and any

deficiencies that can be shown to exist because of improper wage payments already made. In addition to other

relief, the court may also enjoin the contractor or subcontractor from committing future violations. The contractor

or subcontractor involved shall be named as a party in all civil actions brought under this section. In addition to

other costs, the court may award the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees at the trial and on appeal. However,

attorney fees may not be awarded against the commissioner under this section.

(2) The court shall require any party, other than the commissioner, that brings a civil action under this section to

post a bond sufficient to cover the estimated attorney fees and costs to the public agency and to the contractor or

subcontractor of any temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or permanent injunction awarded in the

action, in the event that the party bringing the action does not ultimately prevail.

(3) In addition to any other relief, the court in a civil action brought under this section may enjoin the public agency

from contracting with the contractor or subcontractor if the court finds that the commissioner would be entitled to

place the contractor or subcontractor on the ineligible list established under ORS 279C.860. If the court issues such

an injunction, the commissioner shall place the contractor or subcontractor on the list for a period of three years,

subject to the provision of ORS 279C.860 (4). [2003 c.794 §176; 2007 c.764 §39; 2009 c.107 §2]



279C.875 Criminal liability for intentional failure to pay prevailing wage; rules. (1) A contractor or

subcontractor, or an agent of a contractor or subcontractor, may not intentionally:

(a) Fail to pay an employee of the contractor or subcontractor the prevailing rate of wage as provided in ORS

279C.840;

(b) Reduce the rate of wage that an employee would ordinarily receive for work that is not subject to ORS

279C.800 to 279C.870 in order to recoup wages the contractor, subcontractor or agent paid in accordance with ORS

279C.840;

(d) Enter into an agreement with an employee under the terms of which the employee performs work on a public

works project at less than the prevailing rate of wage; or

(e) Otherwise deprive an employee, permanently or indefinitely, of wages due to an employee under ORS

279C.840 in an amount that equals or exceeds 25 percent of wages due to the employee under ORS 279C.840 or

$1,000 in a single pay period, whichever is greater.

(2) A violation of subsection (1) of this section is a Class C felony.

(3) In addition to and not in lieu of any action the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries may bring

under ORS 279C.870, the commissioner may:

(a) Refer a violation of subsection (1) of this section to a district attorney or the Attorney General for prosecution;

and

(b) Adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions of this section. [2016 c.115 §4]



Note: 279C.875 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS

chapter 279C or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further

explanation.



Appendix E

________________________

Oregon Administrative Rules

Chapter 839, Division 25

Procedural Rules

839-025-0000 Notice of Proposed Rules

839-025-0003 Forms; Availability; Submittal

839-025-0004 Definitions Generally

839-025-0005 Purpose and Procedure for Determination Requests

839-025-0006 Purpose and Procedure for Addition of Trade

839-025-0007 Purpose and Procedure for Special Wage Determination

839-025-0008 List of Planned Public Improvements and Cost Analysis

Forms Prescribed by the Labor Commissioner

839-025-0010 Payroll and Certified Statement Requirements

839-025-0013 Notice of Public Works Form

Contract Requirements

839-025-0015 Public Works Bonds Requirements

839-025-0020 Public Works Contracts and Contract Specifications; Required Conditions

Records

839-025-0025 Required Records

839-025-0030 Records Availability

Posting

839-025-0033 Posting Requirements

839-025-0034 Establishing a Work Schedule

Prevailing Rate of Wage

839-025-0035 Payment of Prevailing Rate of Wage

839-025-0037 Residential Construction Projects; Wage Rates; Rate Determinations

839-025-0038 Use of Multiple Wage Rate Determinations on Projects

Fringe Benefits

839-025-0040 Payment of Fringe Benefits

839-025-0043 Frequency of Payment of Fringe Benefits

839-025-0045 Youth Apprentices

Overtime Wages

839-025-0050 Overtime Wages Computations

839-025-0054 Exemption from Overtime Pay Requirements on Public Improvement Projects

Apprentices and Trainees

839-025-0060 Apprentices Working upon Public Works Projects

839-025-0065 Trainees Working upon Public Works Projects

Enforcement

839-025-0080 Liability to Workers

839-025-0085 Contract Ineligibility

839-025-0090 List of Ineligibles

839-025-0095 Removal of Names from List of Ineligibles

Exemptions

839-025-0100 Exemptions from ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870

Installation of Art on Public Works Projects and the Payment of the Prevailing Rate of Wage

839-025-0150 Definitions Related to Installation of Art on Public Works

839-025-0155 Payment of Prevailing Rate of Wage for the Installation of Art on Public Works Projects

Fees on Public Works Contracts

839-025-0200 Fees to Be Paid by Public Agency

839-025-0210 Adjustment of Fees Paid by Public Agency

839-025-0220 Fees for Contract Without Specific Award Amounts

839-025-0230 Fees for Contracts with Other Special Circumstances

Actions that Circumvent Payment of Prevailing Wages Prohibited

839-025-0300 Actions that Circumvent Payment of Prevailing Wages Prohibited

839-025-0310 Division of Projects

839-025-0320 Payment of Prevailing Wage by Persons Other than Contractors or Subcontractors Prohibited

839-025-0330 Wage Averaging Prohibited

839-025-0340 Circumventions of the Prevailing Wage Rate Law

Civil Penalties for Violation of Prevailing Wage Rates on Public Works Matters

839-025-0500 Definitions Related to Civil Penalties for Violations of Prevailing Wage Rates on Public Works

Matters

839-025-0510 Violations Separate and Distinct

839-025-0520 Criteria to Determine Civil Penalty

839-025-0530 Violations for Which a Civil Penalty May Be Assessed

839-025-0540 Schedule of Civil Penalties

839-025-0000

Notice of Proposed Rules

(1) Prior to the permanent adoption, amendment, or repeal of any rule relating to Prevailing Wage Rates on Public

Works, the Bureau of Labor and Industries must give notice of intended action as required in OAR 839-002-0002.

(2) The notice provisions in OAR 839-002-0002 do not apply to the determination of prevailing wage rates

pursuant to ORS 279C.815(2) or to the adoption of such rates as rule amendments to OAR 839-025-0700 and 839-

025-0750.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651.060(4)

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: Renumbered from 839-016-0000, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 9-2004, f. 7-26-04, cert. ef.

7-27-04; BLI 15-2001, f. & cert. ef. 11-14-01; Reverted to BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96; BLI 26-2000(Temp),

f. 12-19-00, cert. ef. 12-20-00 thru 6-18-01; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-84; BL 14-

1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0003

Forms; Availability; Submittal

(1) All forms referenced in these rules may be obtained on the bureau's website, www.oregon.gov/boli or at the

address listed below.

(2) Completed forms, requests and fees referenced in these rules may be filed with the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit,

Wage and Hour Division, Bureau of Labor and Industries, 800 NE Oregon St. #1045, Portland, OR 97232.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: BLI 29-2005, f. 12-29-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; Renumbered from 839-016-0003, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert.

ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02

839-025-0004

Definitions Generally

As used in OAR chapter 839, division 25, unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) "Apprentice" means:

(a) A person who is individually registered in a bona fide apprenticeship program registered with the U.S.

Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship (OA), or with any state apprenticeship agency recognized by OA,

and who is employed by a registered training agent pursuant to ORS 660.010(10) and is working pursuant to the

standards of the apprentice’s apprenticeship program; or

(b) A person in probationary employment as an apprentice in such an apprenticeship program, but who is not

individually registered in the program, but who has been certified by the OA or a state apprenticeship agency to be

eligible for probationary employment as an apprentice, and who is employed by a registered training agent pursuant

to ORS 660.010 (10) and is working pursuant to the standards of the apprentice’s apprenticeship program.

(2) "The Basic Hourly Rate of Pay" or "Hourly Rate" means the rate of hourly wage, excluding fringe benefits, paid

to the worker.

(3) "Bureau" means the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

(4) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries, or designee.

(5) "Construction" means the initial construction of buildings and other structures, or additions thereto, and of

highways and roads. "Construction" does not include the transportation of material or supplies to or from the public

works project by employees of a construction contractor or construction subcontractor.

(6) "Division" means the Wage and Hour Division of the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

(7) "Employ" includes to suffer or permit to work.

(8) "Fringe benefits" means the amount of:

(a) The rate of contribution irrevocably made on a “regular basis” and “not less often than quarterly,” as those terms

are defined in OAR 839-025-0043, by a contractor or subcontractor to a trustee or to a third person pursuant to a

plan, fund or program; and

(b) The rate of costs to the contractor or subcontractor which may be reasonably anticipated in providing benefits to

workers pursuant to an enforceable commitment to carry out a financially responsible plan or program which is

committed in writing to the workers affected, for medical or hospital care, pensions on retirement or death,

compensation for injuries or illness resulting from occupational activity, or insurance to provide any of the

foregoing, for unemployment benefits, life insurance, disability and sickness insurance or accident insurance, for

vacation and holiday pay, for defraying costs of apprenticeship or other similar programs or for other bona fide

fringe benefits, but only where the contractor or subcontractor is not required by other federal, state or local law to

provide any of such benefits. Other bona fide fringe benefits do not include reimbursement to workers for meals,

lodging or other travel expenses, nor contributions to industry advancement funds (CIAF for example).

(9)(a) "Funds of a public agency" includes any funds of a public agency that are directly or indirectly used, as

described below.

(A) "Directly used funds of a public agency" means revenue, money, or that which can be valued in money

collected for a public agency or derived from a public agency's immediate custody and control, and, except as

provided in ORS 279C.810(1)(a)(H) and (J) and subsection (b) of this section, includes but is not limited to any

money loaned by a public agency, including the loan of proceeds from the sale of conduit or pass-through revenue

bonds for the specific purpose of financing a project, and public property or other assets used as payment for all or

part of a project.

(B) "Indirectly used funds of a public agency" means, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, that a

public agency ultimately bears the cost of all or part of the project, even if a public agency is not paying for the

project directly or completing payment at the time it occurs or shortly thereafter. A public agency does not

indirectly use funds of a public agency when it elects not to collect land rent that is due. Examples of when an

agency "ultimately bears the cost" of all or part of a project include but are not limited to:

(i) Amortizing the costs of construction over the life of a lease and paying these costs with funds of a public agency

during the course of the lease;

(ii) A public agency subsidizing the costs of construction that would normally be borne by the contractor;

(iii) Using insurance proceeds that belong to a public agency t

o pay for construction. Insurance proceeds represent

"money collected for the custody and control of a public agency" and therefore are funds of a public agency,

whether the contractor obtains payment directly from the insurance company or the public agency; or

(iv) Using or creating a private entity as a conduit for funding a project when the private entity is in fact an alter

ego of the public agency.

(b) "Funds of a public agency" does not include:

(A) Funds provided in the form of a government grant to a nonprofit organization, unless the government grant is

issued for the purpose of construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting;

(B) Building and development permit fees paid or waived by the public agency;

(D) Land that a public agency sells to a private entity at fair market value;

(E) The difference between:

(i) The value of land that a public agency sells to a private entity as determined at the time of the sale after taking

into account any plan, requirement, covenant, condition, restriction or other limitation, exclusive of zoning or land

use regulations, that the public agency imposes on the development or use of the land; and

(ii) The fair market value of the land if the land is not subject to the limitations described in subparagraph (i) of this

paragraph;

(F) Staff resources of the public agency used to manage a project or to provide a principal source of supervision,

coordination or oversight of a project;

(G) Staff resources of the public agency used to design or inspect one or more components of a project;

(H) Moneys derived from the sale of bonds that are loaned by a state agency to a private entity, unless the moneys

will be used for a public improvement;

(I) Value added to land as a consequence of a public agency's site preparation, demolition of real property or

remediation or removal of environmental contamination, except for value added in excess of the expenses the

public agency incurred in the site preparation, demolition or remediation or removal when the land is sold for use in

a project otherwise subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870; or

(J) Bonds, or loans from the proceeds of bonds, issued in accordance with ORS Chapter 289 or 441.525 to 441.595,

unless the bonds or loans will be used for a public improvement.

(10) "Housing" has the meaning given that term in ORS 456.055.

(11) "Major renovation" means the remodeling or alteration of buildings and other structures within the framework

of an existing building or structure and the alteration of existing highways and roads, the contract price of which

exceeds $50,000.

(12) "Nonprofit organization," as used in section (9)(b)(A) of this rule, means an organization or group of

organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that is exempt from income tax under

section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(13) "Normal business hours" means the hours during which the office of the contractor or subcontractor is

normally open for business. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the Division will consider the hours between

8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., excluding the hours between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m., on weekdays as normal business

hours.

(14) "Overtime" means all hours worked:

(a) On Saturdays;

(b) On the following legal holidays:

(A) Each Sunday;

(B) New Year's Day on January 1;

(D) Independence Day on July 4;

(E) Labor Day on the first Monday in September;

(F) Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday in November;

(G) Christmas Day on December 25.

(d) Over eight (8) hours in a day; or

(e) Over 10 hours in a day provided:

(A) The employer has established a work schedule of four consecutive days (Monday through Thursday or Tuesday

through Friday) pursuant to OAR 839-025-0034; and

(B) The employer operates in accordance with this established work schedule.

(15) "Overtime rate" means the basic hourly rate of pay multiplied by one and one-half.

(16) "Overtime wages" means the overtime hours worked multiplied by the overtime rate.

(17) "Person" includes a public or private corporation, a partnership, a sole proprietorship, a limited liability

company, a government or governmental instrumentality.

(18) "Prevailing wage rate claim" means a claim for wages filed by a worker with the Division.

(19) "Public agency" means the State of Oregon or any political subdivision thereof or any county, city, district,

authority, public corporation or entity and any instrumentality thereof organized and existing under law or charter.

(20)(a) "Public work," "public works" or "public works project" includes but is not limited to:

(A) Roads, highways, buildings, structures and improvements of all types, the construction, reconstruction, major

renovation or painting of which is carried on or contracted for by any public agency to serve the public interest;

(B) A project for the construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting of a road, highway, building,

structure or improvement of any type that uses $750,000 or more of funds of a public agency; or

type that uses funds of a private entity and in which 25 percent or more of the square footage of the completed

project will be occupied or used by a public agency; or

(D) A device, structure, or mechanism, or a combination of devices, structures, or mechanisms that:

(i) Uses solar radiation as a source for generating heat, cooling, or electrical energy; and

(ii) Is constructed or installed, with or without using funds of a public agency, on land, premises, structures, or

buildings that a public agency owns, regardless of the total project cost; or

(E) A project for the construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting of a road, highway, building,

structure, or improvement of any type that occurs, with or without using funds of a public agency, on real property

that a public university listed in ORS 352.002 owns.

(F) Pursuant to ORS 352.138(4)(b), a project resulting from an agreement under the terms of which a private entity

constructs, reconstructs, renovates or paints an improvement of any type that occurs, with or without using funds of

a public agency, on real property owned by a public university listed in ORS 352.002 or by a nonprofit organization

or other entity that a public university listed in ORS 352.002 owns or controls exclusively.

(b) "Public works" does not include:

(A) Reconstructing or renovating privately owned property that a public agency leases; or

(B) A private nonprofit entity’s renovation of publicly owned real property that is more than 75 years old if:

(i) The real property is leased to the private nonprofit entity for more than 25 years;

(ii) Funds of a public agency used in the renovation do not exceed 15 percent of the total cost of the renovation; and

(iii) Contracts for the renovation were advertised or, if not advertised, were entered into before July 1, 2003, but the

renovation has not been completed on or before July 1, 2007.

(21) "Public works contract" or "contract" means any contract, agreement or understanding, written or oral, into

which a public agency enters for any public work.

(22) "Reconstruction" means highway and road resurfacing and rebuilding, the restoration of existing highways and

roads, and the restoration of buildings and other structures.

(23) "Reconstruction or renovation of privately owned property which is leased by a public agency" includes

improvements of all types within the framework or footprint of an existing building or structure.

(24)(a) "Residential construction project" means a public works project for the construction, reconstruction, major

renovation or painting of a single family house or apartment building of not more than four (4) stories in height and

all incidental items such as site work, parking areas, utilities, streets and sidewalks pursuant to the U.S. Department

of Labor's "All Agency Memorandum No. 130" -- "Application Of The Standard of Comparison 'Projects Of a

Character Similar' Under the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts" dated March 17, 1978, and “All Agency

Memorandum No. 131” “Clarification of All Agency Memorandum No. 130” dated July 14, 1978. (See Appendix

6.)

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, where it is determined that a different definition

of "residential construction" has been adopted by local ordinance or code, or that the prevailing practice of a

particular trade or occupation regarding what is considered "residential construction" differs from the U.S.

Department of Labor definition of residential construction, the commissioner may consider such information in

determining a project to be a "residential construction project."

(25) "Site of work" is defined as follows:

(a) The site of work is limited to the physical place or places where the construction called for in the contract will

remain when work on it has been completed, and other adjacent or nearby property used by the contractor or

subcontractor in such construction which can reasonably be said to be included in the site.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, fabrication plants, mobile factories, batch plants, borrow

pits, job headquarters, tool yards and similar facilities, are part of the site of work provided they are dedicated

exclusively, or nearly so, to the performance of the contract or project, and are so located in proximity to the actual

construction location that it would be reasonable to include them. Such facilities which are established by a supplier

of materials for the project after the opening of bids are deemed to be dedicated exclusively to the performance of

the contract or project.

and tool yards of a contractor or subcontractor whose locations and continuance in operation are determined wholly

without regard to a particular contract or project. In addition, fabrication plants, batch plants, borrow pits, job

headquarters, tool yards, and similar facilities of a commercial supplier or materialman which are established by a

supplier of materials for the project before opening of bids and not on the project site, are not included in the site of

work. Such permanent, previously established facilities are not part of the site of the work, even where the

operations for a period of time may be dedicated exclusively, or nearly so, to the performance of a contract or

project.

(26) "Special wage determination" means a wage determination made at the request of a public agency and which is

applicable only to specific job classes. A special wage determination is issued in those cases where there is no

current wage determination applicable to specific job classes and the use of such job classes is contemplated on a

public works project.

(27) "Staff resources of a public agency" means employees of the public agency who may manage, supervise or

oversee a project or employees of the public agency used to design or inspect one or more components of a project,

but not persons with whom a public agency contracts to perform such services.

(28) "Trade" or "occupation" is defined in accordance with the prevailing practices of the construction industry in

Oregon.

(29) "Trainee" means a person registered and receiving on-the-job training in a construction occupation under a

program which has been approved in advance by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship (OA), as

meeting its standards for on-the-job training programs, and which has been so certified by that office, and who is

employed by a registered training agent pursuant to ORS 660.010(10) and is working pursuant to the standards of

the trainee’s program.

(30) “Training agent” means an employer that is registered with a local joint committee and the Apprenticeship and

Training Division of the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

(31) "Wage determination" includes the original decision and any subsequent amendments made by the

commissioner in accordance with ORS 279C.815.

(32) "Wages" or "Prevailing Wages" means the basic hourly rate of pay and fringe benefits as defined in sections

(2) and (8) of this rule.

(33) "Worker" means a person employed on a public works project and whose duties are manual or physical in

nature (including those workers who use tools or who are performing the work of a trade), as distinguished from

mental, professional or managerial. The term "worker" includes apprentices, trainees and any person employed or

working on a public works project in a trade or occupation for which the commissioner has determined a prevailing

rate of wage. (See OAR 839-025-0035.)

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 651.060(4) & ORS 279C.808

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.800-.870

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 2-2016, f. & cert. ef. 3-31-16; BLI 9-

2013, f. 12-18-13, cert. ef. 1-1-14; BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11; BLI 23-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-

1-11; BLI 42-2007, f.12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; BLI 20-2007(Temp), f. 7-30-07, cert. ef. 8-1-07 thru 1-27-08; BLI

39-2006, f. 11-8-06, cert. ef. 11-10-06; BLI 19-2006(Temp), f. 5-12-06, cert. ef. 5-15-06 thru 11-10-06; BLI 29-

2005, f. 12-29-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; Renumbered from 839-016-0004, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI

5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02; BLI 15-2001, f. & cert. ef. 11-14-01; BL 1-1998, f. & cert. ef. 1-5-98; BL 3-

1997(Temp), f. 7-31-97, cert. ef. 8-1-97; BL 8-1996, f. 8-26-96, cert. ef. 9-1-96; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96;

BL 5-1990, f. 3-30-90, cert. ef. 4-1-90; BL 7-1989(Temp), f. 10-2-89, cert. ef. 10-3-89; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-

84; BL 14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0005

Purpose and Procedure for Determination Requests

(1) A request for a determination as to whether a project or proposed project is a public works under ORS

279C.817, must meet the following requirements before it will be considered by the commissioner:

(a) The request must be in writing, describe all relevant details of the project or proposed project, and be submitted

to: Prevailing Wage Rate Unit, Wage and Hour Division, Bureau of Labor and Industries, 800 NE Oregon St.,

#1045, Portland, OR, 97232.

(b) A copy of the request must be sent to any public agency known to be associated with the project at the time it is

submitted to the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit. The request must identify the public agencies receiving a copy of the

request.

necessary to enable the commissioner to make the determination. This information includes, but is not limited to,

copies of advertisements, project plans and specifications, development and disposition agreements, contracts,

project financing information, loan agreements, and any other relevant information related to the project or

proposed project. When the requester is not a public agency and information necessary for a determination is in the

custody or control of a public agency, it is the requester’s responsibility to obtain the information from the public

agency and provide it with the request.

(2) The requester has a continuing duty to provide the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit with all relevant documents,

records and other information until a determination is made. If

any information submitted in connection with a

request is modified or superseded in any material respect after the request is made, the requester must promptly

submit the updated information to the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit.

(3) The commissioner will inform the requester if additional documents, records, or other information is necessary

to enable the commissioner to make the determination.

(4) If the commissioner informs a requester that the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit has not received all the documents,

records, or other information necessary to make a determination, the request will remain pending for 90 calendar

days. If the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit does not receive the information the commissioner deems necessary to make

a determination while the request is pending, the requester may be required to submit a new request in order to

obtain a determination.

(5) If a requester fails or refuses to provide documents, records, or other information necessary to enable the

commissioner to make the determination and the commissioner has reasonable grounds to believe such documents,

records, or other information exist, the commissioner may inform the requester that the commissioner is unable to

issue a determination.

(6) The commissioner’s determination will be issued to the requester, with copies mailed to any public agencies

identified on the request.

(7) The determination will include notice of the right of the requester and any person adversely affected or

aggrieved by the determination to a hearing, pursuant to ORS 183.415, OAR 137-003-0001, the supplemental

provisions for hearing requests in OAR Ch. 839, div. 50. and ORS 279C.817(4).

(8)(a) After the commissioner issues a determination, the requester or any public agency served with a copy of the

determination may request that the commissioner reconsider the determination.

(b) A request for reconsideration must be received within 15 calendar days of the date the determination was

mailed. Requests must be submitted to the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit. A request for reconsideration does not toll

the time period for requesting a contested case hearing on the determination.

documents in support of the request.

(d) The commissioner will accept or reject the request within 15 business days of receipt of the request by the

Prevailing Wage Rate Unit. If the commissioner does not accept the request within 15 business days, it is deemed

denied.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279C, 279C.817 & 651.060

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.800 & 279C.870

History: BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; BLI 20-2007(Temp), f. 7-30-07, cert. ef. 8-1-07 thru 1-27-08

839-025-0006

Purpose and Procedure for Addition of Trade

(1) As a result of technological advancements and/or policy changes, new trades periodically emerge in the

construction industry. When this happens, it may be appropriate for the commissioner to add such trades into the

prevailing wage rate determinations. The following procedure is designed to insure that new trades are included in

prevailing wage rate determinations when appropriate.

(2) Any person may request the addition of a trade by submitting a written request to the Prevailing Wage Rate

Unit. This request must, at a minimum, specify:

(a) Name of proposed trade;

(b) Minimum education required; and

(3) The PWR Coordinator will recommend to the commissioner whether or not to conduct a complete study of the

proposed trade. The requesting party will be notified in writing by the PWR Coordinator of the commissioner's

decision.

(4) If the PWR Coordinator conducts the requested study, the following areas, at a minimum, will be included in

the review:

(a) Relevant practices of the U.S. Department of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act;

(b) Whether the proposed trade is substantially different from trades included in the current wage determination;

(5) The PWR Coordinator will submit a report and a recommendation to the commissioner.

(6) The commissioner will decide whether or not to include the proposed trade. The requesting party will be

notified in writing of the commissioner's decision.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: Renumbered from 839-016-0006, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef.

2-15-02; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-84; BL 14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0007

Purpose and Procedure for Special Wage Determination

(1) In planning a public works project, public agencies periodically require the use of a trade not normally included

in wage determinations. Special wage determinations allow the commissioner to recognize a trade and establish a

rate for it. This procedure also allows the commissioner to respond in a timely fashion to the needs of the public

agency. Special wage determinations are not available when the wage determination is applicable.

(2) Any public agency may submit a written request for a special wage determination to the Prevailing Wage Rate

Unit. The request must contain:

(a) A written description of the work to be performed; and

(b) An identification of the requested trade(s).

(3) Within two weeks the PWR Coordinator will recommend to the commissioner whether or not a special wage

determination should be established.

(4) If a special wage determination is to be allowed, the PWR Coordinator will provide the requesting agency with

the instruments, procedures, and minimum requirements for conducting a wage survey. The requesting agency will

conduct the wage survey in accordance with bureau procedures and submit the results to the PWR Coordinator.

(5) The PWR Coordinator will review the data for methodological compliance and accuracy and submit it to the

commissioner with a recommendation.

(6) The commissioner will approve or disapprove the special wage determination request after considering the

PWR Coordinator's recommendation. The public agency will be notified, in writing, of the commissioner's final

decision.

(7) If the special wage determination is approved, it is valid only for the locality specified in the special wage

determination and only until the first day of July following the date of approval unless amended prior to that date.

(8) A copy of the approved special wage determination will be kept on file by the PWR Coordinator and the Wage

and Hour Division.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; Renumbered from 839-016-0007, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert.

ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-84;

BL 14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0008

List of Planned Public Improvements and Cost Analysis

(1) For purposes of this rule the term "Public improvement" has the same meaning as it does in ORS 279A.010(cc).

(2) Pursuant to ORS 279C.305, contracting agencies shall make every effort to construct public improvements at

the least cost to the contracting agency.

(3)(a) Each public agency must prepare and file with the commissioner a list of every public improvement known

to the agency that the agency plans to fund during the subsequent budget period. The list must be submitted to the

Prevailing Wage Rate Unit not less than 30 days prior to the adoption of the agency's budget or before construction

of a public improvement begins. If the agency revises its list after the adoption of its budget, the agency must file

the revised list with the commissioner at that time.

(b) If a public agency intends to use its own equipment or personnel to perform construction work on a public

improvement and the estimated value of the agency's construction work exceeds $200,000 (or $125,000 if the

public improvement involves the resurfacing of highways, roads or streets at a depth of two or more inches), the

agency must prepare and file with the commissioner no later than 180 days before construction begins on the public

improvement a cost analysis that shows that the agency's decision to use its own equipment or personnel conforms

to the state policy that public improvements will be constructed at the least cost to public agencies.

(4) Copies of the lists of planned public improvements and cost analyses filed with the commissioner by public

agencies as required by ORS 279C.305(2) are available to the public upon written request to the Prevailing Wage

Rate Unit. The request must contain the following information:

(a) The name of the public agency;

(b) The name of any division, section or department of the public agency, if applicable; and

(5) The cost of supplying copies requested in section (4) of this rule will be calculated in accordance with OAR

839-030-0010, which sets forth the fees to be charged by the bureau when responding to requests for copies of

public records.

(6) To assist public contracting agencies in complying with the provisions of ORS 279C.305 and these rules, the

commissioner has prepared two forms, WH-118 and WH-119. The use of these forms by the public contracting

agency is optional. However, the statutory requirements of 279C.305(2) are satisfied when these forms are

completed and mailed to the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit. The forms should be completed as follows:

(a) The Planned Public Improvement Summary form, WH-118, should be used to summarize all planned projects in

the subsequent budget period, noting the project information requested on the form;

(b) The Public Improvement Project Cost Analysis form, WH-119, should be completed for the purpose of

demonstrating that a public agency's use of its own equipment or personnel results in the least cost to the agency. In

developing cost comparisons, unit costs which can be substantiated by the agency's cost accounting system should

be used. Contractor unit prices that reflect bidding data should also be used.

(7) A complaint alleging that a public agency has violated ORS 279C.305 must meet the following requirements in

order to be considered by the commissioner:

(a) The complaint must be in writing, identify specific acts or omissions allegedly committed by a public agency in

violation of ORS 279C.305, and be submitted to: Prevailing Wage Rate Unit, Wage and Hour Division, Bureau of

Labor and Industries, 800 NE Oregon St., #1045, Portland, OR, 97232.

(b) The complaint must be filed by a contractor, or a trade association of contractors acting on behalf of a member

of the trade association, who was eligible to perform the construction work for which the public agency used its

own equipment or personnel.

known that the violation occurred.

(d) The complainant has paid a filing fee of $250, which is refundable if investigation of the complaint finds

substantial evidence of a violation.

(e) In addition to the written complaint, the complainant must provide documents, records, and other information in

support of the allegation that a violation has occurred. Such information may include, but is not limited to, copies

of documents verifying the costs of labor, equipment, administration and overhead, tools and materials, or control

testing, or any other contracts related to the public improvement; copies of plans, specifications, or estimates

related to the public improvement; copies of correspondence with the public agency concerning the public

improvement; copies of cost estimating procedures used in preparing a cost analysis for the public improvement;

and copies of any other relevant information which demonstrates that a violation of ORS 279C.305 or these rules

has occurred.

[ED. NOTE: Forms referenced are available from the Wage and Hour Division of the Bureau of Labor and

Industries.]

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279C.808 & ORS 651.060(4)

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.800-.870 & OL Ch. 715 (2017)

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11;

BLI 5-2008, f. & cert. ef. 3-10-08; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; Renumbered from 839-016-0008,

BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96;

BL 14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0010

Payroll and Certified Statement Requirements

(1) The form required by ORS 279C.845 is the Payroll and Certified Statement form, WH-38. This form must

accurately and completely set out the contractor's or subcontractor's payroll records, including the name and

address of each worker, the worker’s correct classification, rate of pay, daily and weekly number of hours worked

and the gross wages the worker earned each week during which the contractor or subcontractor employs a worker

upon a public works project.

(2) The contractor or subcontractor may submit the weekly payroll on the WH-38 form or may use a similar form

providing such form contains all the elements of the WH-38 form. When submitting the weekly payroll on a form

other than WH-38, the contractor or subcontractor must attach the certified statement contained on the WH-38 form

to the payroll forms submitted.

(3) Each Payroll and Certified Statement form must be submitted by the contractor or subcontractor to the public

agency by the fifth business day of each month following a month in which workers were employed upon a public

works project.

(4) The Payroll and Certified Statement forms received by the public agency are public records subject to the

provisions of ORS 192.410 to 192.505. As such, they must be made available upon request. Pursuant to ORS

279C.845(4), information submitted on certified statements may be used only to ensure compliance with the

provisions of ORS 279C.800 through 279C.870.

(5) If the contractor fails to submit its payroll and certified statement forms to the public agency as required by

subsection (3) of this rule, the public agency must retain 25 percent of any amount earned by the contractor until

the contractor has submitted the required payroll and certified statements to the public agency.

(a) The amount to be retained shall be calculated at 25 percent of the unpaid amount earned by the contractor at the

time each payroll and certified statement are due. For example, if the contractor fails to submit its payroll and

certified statement by the fifth of the month and the contractor earned $100,000 in the period since its last payroll

and certified statement were submitted to the public agency, the public agency must retain 25 percent of $100,000

($25,000), until such time as the required payroll and certified statement are submitted.

(b) When calculating the amount to be retained, amounts previously retained shall not be included as amounts

earned by the contractor.

must pay the amount retained to the contractor within 14 days.

(6) If a first-tier subcontractor fails to submit a payroll and certified statement form to the public agency as required

by subsection (3) of this rule, the contractor must retain 25 percent of any amount earned by the first-tier

subcontractor until the first-tier subcontractor has submitted the required payroll and certified statements to the

public agency.

(a) The amount to be retained shall be calculated at 25 percent of the unpaid amount earned by the first-tier

subcontractor at the time each payroll and certified statement are due. For example, if the first-tier subcontractor

fails to submit the payroll and certified statement by the fifth of the month and the first-tier subcontractor earned

$100,000 in the period since the last payroll and certified statement were submitted to the public agency, the

contractor must retain 25 percent of $100,000 ($25,000), until such time as the required payroll and certified

statement are submitted.

(b) When calculating the amount to be retained, amounts previously retained shall not be included as amounts

earned by the first-tier subcontractor.

statement(s) with the public agency before the contractor may pay the first-tier subcontractor any amount retained

under this section.

(d) Once the first-tier subcontractor has filed the required payroll and certified statement with the public agency, the

contractor must pay the amount retained to the first-tier subcontractor within 14 days.

(7) Notwithstanding ORS 279C.555 or 279C.570(7), amounts retained pursuant to the provisions of this rule shall

be in addition to any other amounts retained.

(8)(a) If a project is a public works of the type described in ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(B), and no public agency awards a

contract to a contractor for the project, the contractors and any subcontractors employing workers upon the public

works project shall submit weekly payrolls as required by ORS 279C.845 and this rule to the public agency or

agencies providing funds for the project.

(b) When more than one public agency provides funds for a project, the public agencies may designate one agency

to receive the contractor's and any subcontractors' payrolls.

(9)(a) If a project is a public works of the type described in ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(C), and no public agency awards a

contract to a contractor for the project, the contractors and any subcontractors employing workers upon the public

works project shall submit weekly payrolls as required by ORS 279C.845 and this rule to the public agency or

agencies that will occupy or use the completed project.

(b) When more than one public agency will occupy or use the completed project, the public agencies may designate

one agency to receive the contractor's and any subcontractors' payrolls.

(10) If a project is a public works of the type described in ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(D), and no public agency awards a

contract to a contractor for the project, the contractors and any subcontractors employing workers upon the public

works project shall submit weekly payrolls as required by ORS 279C.845 and this rule to the public agency that

owns the land, premise(s), structure(s) or building(s) on which the solar radiation device(s) will be constructed or

installed.

(11) If a project is a public works of the type described in ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(E), and no public agency awards a

contract to a contractor for the project, the contractors and any subcontractors employing workers upon the public

works project shall submit weekly payrolls as required by ORS 279C.845 and this rule to the public university

listed in ORS 352.002 that owns the real property.

[ED. NOTE: Forms and Publications referenced are available from the Wage and Hour Division of the Bureau of

Labor and Industries.]

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 651.060(4) & ORS 279C.808

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.800-.870

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 9-2013, f. 12-18-13, cert. ef. 1-1-14; BL

14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-84; BL 13-1992, f. & cert. ef. 12-14-9; BL 3-1996, f.

& cert. ef. -1-26-96; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02; Renumbered from 839-016-0010, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-

25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 29-2005, f. 12-29-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; BLI

28-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11

839-025-0013

Notice of Public Works Form

(1) The notification form required by ORS 279C.835 is the Notice of Public Works form, WH-81.

(2) Except as provided in sections (4), (5), and (6) of this rule, the public agency must file the Notice of Public

Works form, WH-81, with the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit within 30 days after the date a public works contract is

awarded.

(3) The Notice of Public Works form, WH-81, must be accompanied by:

(a) payment of the fee required pursuant to ORS 279C.825; and

(b) a copy of the disclosure of first-tier subcontractors submitted to the public agency by the contractor if required

pursuant to ORS 279C.370 and if a public agency awards a contract to a contractor for a public works project.

(4) When a project is a public works project pursuant to ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(B) and no public agency awards a

contract to a contractor for the project, the Notice of Public Works form shall be filed by the public agency

providing public funds for the project at the time the public agency commits to the provision of funds for the

project.

(5) When a project is a public works project pursuant to ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(C) and no public agency awards a

contract to a contractor for the project, the Notice of Public Works form shall be filed by the public agency when

the agency enters into an agreement to occupy or use the completed project.

(6) When a project is a public works project pursuant to ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(D) and no public agency awards a

contract to a contractor for the project, the Notice of Public Works form shall be filed by the public agency that

owns the land, premise(s), structure(s) or building(s) on which the solar radiation device will be constructed or

installed at the time the public agency enters into an agreement authorizing the construction or installation of the

solar radiation device.

(7) When a project is a public works project pursuant to ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(E) and no public agency awards a

contract to a contractor for the project, the Notice of Public Works form shall be filed by the public university listed

in ORS 352.002 that owns the real property on which the work takes place, at the time the public agency enters into

an agreement authorizing the project.

(8) Public agencies are not required to file a Notice of Public Works form when the contract awarded is not

regulated under the provisions of ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870.

[ED. NOTE: Forms and Publications referenced in these rules are available from the Wage and Hour Division of

the Bureau of Labor and Industries.]

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 651.060(4) & ORS 279C.808

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.800-.870

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 9-2013, f. 12-18-13, cert. ef. 1-1-14; BLI

23-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11; BLI 28-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; BLI 18-2009(Temp), f. 8-3-09, cert.

ef. 8-5-09 thru 1-31-10; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; Renumbered from 839-016-0013, BLI 7-2005, f.

2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96; BL 4-1984, f.

& ef. 3-13-84; BL 14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0015

Public Works Bonds Requirements

(1) Pursuant to ORS 279C.836, except as provided, before starting work on a contract or subcontract for a public

works project of $100,000 or more, a contractor or subcontractor must file with the Construction Contractors Board

a public works bond with a corporate surety authorized to do business in this state in the amount of $30,000. For

purposes of this section, “project of $100,000 or more” includes, but is not limited to, the combined value of work

performed by every person paid by a contractor or subcontractor in any manner for the person’s work on the

project, but does not include the value of donated materials or work performed on the project by individuals

volunteering to the public agency without pay.

(2) The Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries adopts the language in the Statutory Public Works

Bond set forth in Appendix 5.

(3) The name of the entity as it appears on the public works bond must be the same as the entity name filed at the

Oregon Corporation Division (if applicable).

(a) If the entity is a sole proprietorship, the bond must include the name of the sole proprietor;

(b) If the entity is a partnership, or joint venture, the bond must include the names of all partners or venturers

(except limited partners);

must be issued in the name of all partners and in the name

of the limited liability partnership;

(d) If the entity is a limited partnership, the bond must be issued in the name of all general partners and in the name

of the limited partnership and any other business name(s) used. Limited partners do not need to be listed on the

bond;

(e) If the entity is a corporation or trust, the bond must be issued showing the corporate or trust name; or

(f) If the entity is a limited liability company, the bond must be issued in the name of the limited liability company.

(4) If at any time an entity changes or amends its entity name, the Construction Contractors Board must be notified

within 30 days of the date of the change.

(5) If an entity is a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership, limited partnership, joint venture,

corporation, limited liability company, business trust or any other entity, and changes the entity to one of the other

entity types, the new entity must supply a new bond.

(6) If a disadvantaged business enterprise, minority-owned business, woman-owned business, business that a

service-disabled veteran owns or emerging small business certified under ORS 200.055 is found to have violated a

provision of ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 or an administrative rule adopted under ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870, the

enterprise or business must file a public works bond in accordance with section (1) of this rule.

(7) Riders to existing bonds changing the type of entity bonded will be construed as a cancellation of the bond and

will not be otherwise accepted.

(8) The inclusion or exclusion of business name(s) on a bond shall not limit the liability of an entity. Claims against

a bonded entity will be processed regardless of business names used by such entity.

[ED. NOTE: Appendices referenced are available from the Wage and Hour Division of the Bureau of Labor and

Industries.]

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279C.808 & ORS 651.060(4)

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.800 - 279C.870 & OL Ch. 334 (2017)

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11;

BLI 28-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; BLI 5-2008, f. & cert. ef. 3-10-08; BLI 29-2005, f. 12-29-05, cert. ef. 1-1-

839-025-0020

Public Works Contracts and Contract Specifications; Required Conditions

(1) For purposes of this rule:

(a) "Construction Manager/General Contractor contract" (or "CM/GC contract") means a contract that typically

results in a general contractor/construction manager initially undertaking various pre-construction tasks that may

include, but are not limited to: design phase development, constructability reviews, value engineering, scheduling,

and cost estimating, and in which a guaranteed maximum price for completion of construction-type work is

typically established by amendment of the initial contract, after the pre-construction tasks are complete or

substantially complete. "CM/GC" refers to the general contractor/construction manager under this form of contract.

Following the design phase, the CM/GC may then act as a General Contractor and begin the subcontracting

process. The CM/GC typically coordinates and manages the construction process, provides contractor expertise,

and acts as a member of the project team.

(b) "Construction specifications" include the detailed description of physical characteristics of the improvement,

design details, technical descriptions of the method and manner of doing the work, quantities or qualities of any

materials required to be furnished, descriptions of dimensions, required units of measurement, composition or

manufacturer, and descriptions of any quality, performance, or acceptance requirements.

(2) Every public works contract must contain the following:

(a) A condition or clause that, if the contractor fails, neglects, or refuses to make prompt payment of any claim for

labor or services furnished to the contractor or a subcontractor by any person, or the assignee of the person, in

connection with the public works contract as such claim becomes due, the proper officer or officers of the public

agency may pay such claim and charge the amount of the payment against funds due or to become due the

contractor by reason of the contract (Reference: ORS 279C.515);

(b) A condition that no person will be employed for more than 10 hours in any one day, or 40 hours in any one

week except in cases of necessity, emergency, or where the public policy absolutely requires it, and in such cases

the person so employed must be paid at least time and one-half the regular rate of pay for all time worked:

(A) For all overtime in excess of eight hours a day or 40 hours in any one week when the work week is five

consecutive days, Monday through Friday; or

(B) For all overtime in excess of 10 hours a day or 40 hours in any one week when the work week if four

consecutive days, Monday through Friday; and

279C.520(1));

either at the time of hire or before commencement of work on th

e contract, or by posting a notice in a location

frequented by employees, of the number of hours per day and days per week that the employees may be required to

work (Reference: ORS 279C.520(2)); and

(d) A condition that the contractor must promptly, as due, make payment to any person, co-partnership, association

or corporation, furnishing medical, surgical and hospital care or other needed care and attention, incident to

sickness or injury, to employees of such contractor, of all sums which the contractor agrees to pay for such services

and all moneys and sums which the contractor collected or deducted from the wages of the contractor's employees

pursuant to any law, contract or agreement for the purpose of providing or paying for such service (Reference: ORS

279C.530).

(3) Every public works contract that a public agency awards must contain a condition or clause that requires the

contractor to:

(a) Have a public works bond filed with the Construction Contractors Board before starting work on the project,

unless the contractor is exempt under ORS 279C.836(4), (7), (8) or (9).

(b) Require, in every subcontract, that the subcontractor have a public works bond filed with the Construction

Contractors Board before starting work on the project, unless the subcontractor is exempt under ORS 279C.836(4),

(7), (8) or (9).

(4) Every subcontract that a contractor or subcontractor awards in connection with a public works contract between

a contractor and a public agency must require any subcontractor to have a public works bond filed with the

Construction Contractors Board before starting work on the public works projects, unless the subcontractor is

exempt under ORS 279C.836 (4), (7), (8), or (9).

(5)(a) Every public works contract and subcontract must provide that each worker the contractor, subcontractor or

other person who is a party to the contract uses in performing all or part of the contract, must be paid not less than

the applicable prevailing rate of wage for each trade or occupation as defined by the Commissioner of the Bureau

of Labor and Industries in the applicable publication entitled Definitions of Covered Occupations for Public Works

Contracts in Oregon.

(b) If a public works project is subject to both ORS 279C.800 to ORS 279C.870 and to the Davis-Bacon Act (40

U.S.C. 3141 et seq.), every public works contract and subcontract must provide that the worker whom the

contractor, subcontractor or other person who is a party to the contract uses in performing all or part of the contract,

must be paid not less than the higher of the applicable state prevailing rate of wage for each trade or occupation as

defined by the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries in the applicable publication entitled

Definitions of Covered Occupations for Public Works Contracts in Oregon or federal prevailing rate of wage.

(6)(a) The specifications for every public works contract must contain a provision that states the existing state

prevailing rate of wage and, if applicable, the federal prevailing rate of wage required under the Davis-Bacon Act

(40 U.S.C. 3141 et seq.).

(b) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section and sections (8) and (9) of this rule, the existing state

prevailing rate of wage and the applicable publication entitled Definitions of Covered Occupations for Public

Works Contracts in Oregon are those in effect at the time the initial specifications were first advertised for bid

solicitations.

and federal prevailing rates of wage in the specifications for a contract for public works, the public agency shall

also include in the specifications the requirement that the contractor pay the higher of the applicable state or federal

prevailing rate of wage to all workers on the public works project.

(d) Pursuant to ORS 279C.838(4) and notwithstanding ORS 279C.830(1), if the contract is subject to both ORS

279C.800 to 279C.870 and the Davis Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141 et seq.), the public agency may provide in the

specifications for the contract a single date to be used to establish the “existing state prevailing rate of wage,” the

applicable publication entitled Definitions of Covered Occupations for Public Works Contracts in Oregon, and the

“applicable federal prevailing rate of wage” that is consistent with the federal requirements under 29 CFR 1.6.

(e) The specifications for a contract for public works must provide that the contractor and every subcontractor must

have a public works bond filed with the Construction Contractors Board before starting work on the project, unless

the contractor or subcontractor is exempt under ORS 279C.836(4), (7), (8) or (9).

(7)(a) The provisions described in sections (5) and (6), and sections (8) and (9) if applicable, must be included in all

specifications for each contract awarded on the project, regardless of the price of any individual contract, so long as

the combined price of all contracts awarded on the project is $50,000 or more (Reference: ORS 279C.830).

(b) A statement incorporating the applicable state prevailing wage rate publication and any amendments thereto

into the specifications by reference will satisfy these require

ments. Except as provided in subsection (c), such

reference must include the title of the applicable wage rates publication or determination and the date of the

publication or determination as well as the date of any applicable amendments.

incorporated into the specifications by referring to the electronically accessible or Internet-accessible rates and by

providing adequate information about how to access the rates. Such reference must include the title of the

applicable wage rates publication or determination and the date of the publication or determination as well as the

date of any applicable amendments. The reference requirements of this subsection will be satisfied if such reference

includes Uniform Resource Locator (URL) information for a webpage or webpages showing the title of each

applicable wage rates publication or determination and the date of each publication or determination as well as the

date of any applicable amendments.

(8)(a) When a public agency is a party to a CM/GC contract, the CM/GC contract becomes a public works contract

either when the contract first constitutes a binding and enforceable obligation on the part of the CM/GC to perform

or arrange for the performance of construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting of an improvement that

is a public works or when the CM/GC contract enters the construction phase, whichever occurs first.

(b) For example, the CM/GC will have a binding and enforceable obligation to perform or arrange for the

performance of construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting of an improvement after the public

agency and CM/GC commit to the guaranteed maximum price.

performance of early construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting work directly related to the

improvement project.

(d) The publication entitled Definitions of Covered Occupations for Public Works Contracts in Oregon and the

prevailing wage rate in effect at the time the CM/GC contract becomes a public works contract shall apply and the

applicable prevailing wage rates must be included with the construction specifications for the CM/GC contract.

(9) A public works project described in ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(B), (C), (D), or (E) that is not a CM/GC contract

subject to section (8) of this rule, and for which no public agency awards a contract to a contractor for the project, is

subject to the publication entitled Definitions of Covered Occupations for Public Works Contracts in Oregon and

the existing state prevailing rate of wage or, if applicable, the federal prevailing rate of wage required under the

Davis-Bacon Act that are in effect at the time a public agency enters into an agreement with a private entity for the

project. (Note: The effective date of the applicable federal prevailing rate of wage may be different under federal

law.) After that time, the specifications for any contract for the public works shall include the applicable prevailing

rate of wage.

(10) If a project is a public works of the type described in ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(B), (C), (D), or (E), and no public

agency awards a contract to a contractor for the project, a public agency will be deemed to have complied with the

provisions of ORS 279C.830 if the public agency requires compliance with the provisions of section (7) of this rule

in any agreement entered into by the public agency committing to provide funds for the project, to occupy or use

the completed project, or authorizing the construction or installation of a solar radiation device.

(11) Public agencies may obtain, without cost, a copy of the existing state prevailing rate of wages for use in

preparing the contract specifications by contacting the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit or any office of the bureau.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 651.060(4) & ORS 279C.808

Statutes/Other Implemented: OL Ch. 334 (2017) & ORS 279C.800-.870

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 2-2016, f. & cert. ef. 3-31-16; BLI 9-

2013, f. 12-18-13, cert. ef. 1-1-14; BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11; BLI 6-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-

22-11 thru 12-4-11; BLI 3-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 6-8-11 thru 12-4-11; BLI 23-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-

11; BLI 28-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; BLI 18-2009(Temp), f. 8-3-09, cert. ef. 8-5-09 thru 1-31-10; BLI 42-

2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; BLI 20-2007(Temp), f. 7-30-07, cert. ef. 8-1-07 thru 1-27-08; BLI 2-2007, f. &

cert. ef. 1-23-07; BLI 39-2006, f. 11-8-06, cert. ef. 11-10-06; BLI 19-2006(Temp), f. 5-12-06, cert. ef. 5-15-06 thru

11-10-06; BLI 29-2005, f. 12-29-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; Renumbered from 839-016-0020, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05,

cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02; BL 1-1998, f. & cert. ef. 1-5-98; BL 3-1997(Temp), f. 7-

31-97, cert. ef. 8-1-97; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96; BL 5-1990, f. 3-30-90, cert. ef. 4-1-90; BL 7-1989(Temp),

f. 10-2-89, cert. ef. 10-3-89; BL 14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0025

Required Records

(1) All contractors and subcontractors performing work on public works contracts subject to ORS 279C.800 to

279C.870 shall make and maintain for a period of three (3) years from the completion of work upon such public

works records necessary to determine whether the prevailing rate of wage and overtime has been or is being paid to

workers upon public works.

(2) In addition to the Payroll and Certified Statement, Form WH-38, records necessary to determine whether the

prevailing wage rate and overtime wages have been or are being

paid include but are not limited to records of:

(a) The name and address of each employee;

(b) The work classification or classifications of each employee;

(d) The rate or rates of fringe benefit payments made in lieu of those required to be provided to each employee;

(e) Total daily and weekly compensation paid to each employee;

(f) The daily and weekly hours worked by each employee;

(g) The written notice to employees who work on a public contract of the days per week and number of hours per

day they may be required to work.

(h) Apprenticeship and Training Agreements;

(i) Any deductions, rebates or refunds taken from each employee's total compensation and actual wages paid;

(j) Any payroll and other such records pertaining to the employment of employees upon a public work.

(3) When apprentices and/or trainees are employed on a public works project, the records must clearly distinguish

them from other employees.

(4) When a contractor or subcontractor employs a worker on public works projects and non public works projects

during the same work week and the worker is paid a rate of pay which is less than the prevailing wage rate when

working on a non public works project, the contractor or subcontractor must separately record the hours worked on

the public works projects and those hours worked elsewhere.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279.808 & ORS 651.060(4)

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.800-.870

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11;

BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; Renumbered from 839-016-0025, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-

05; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-84; BL 14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0030

Records Availability

(1) Every contractor and subcontractor performing work on a public works contract shall make available to

representatives of the Wage and Hour Division records necessary to determine if the prevailing wage rate has been

or is being paid to workers upon such public work. Such records shall be made available to representatives of the

Wage and Hour Division for inspection and transcription during normal business hours.

(2) The contractor or subcontractor shall make the records referred to in section (1) of this rule available within 24

hours of a request from a representative of the Wage and Hour Division or at such later date as may be specified by

the division.

(3) When a prevailing wage rate claim or complaint has been filed with the Wage and Hour Division or when the

division has otherwise received evidence indicating that a violation has occurred and upon a written request by a

representative of the Division a public works contractor or subcontractor shall send a certified copy of such

contractor's or subcontractor's payroll records to the Division within ten days of receiving such request. The

Division's written request for such certified copies will indicate that a prevailing wage rate claim has been filed or

that the division has received evidence indicating that a violation has occurred.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: BLI 28-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; BLI 18-2009(Temp), f. 8-3-09, cert. ef. 8-5-09 thru 1-31-10;

Renumbered from 839-016-0030, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96; BL 14-

1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0033

Posting Requirements

(1) Every contractor or subcontractor must post the prevailing wage rates applicable to the project in a conspicuous

place at the site of work. The posting must be easily accessible to employees working on the project. Contractors

may obtain a copy of the applicable wage rates by contacting the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit or any office of the

bureau.

(2) When a contractor or subcontractor provides for or contributes to a health and welfare plan or pension plan for

employees who are working on a public works project, the contractor or subcontractor must post a notice

containing the following information:

(a) A description of the plan or plans;

(b) Information on how and where claims can be made; and

(3) The notice required to be posted in section (2) of this rule must be posted in a conspicuous place at the site of

work and be easily accessible to employees working on the project. The notice must be posted in the same location

as the prevailing wage rate pursuant to section (1) of this rul

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: Renumbered from 839-016-0033, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef.

2-15-02; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-84

839-025-0034

Establishing a Work Schedule

(1) Employers must give written notice to employees who work on a public contract of the days per week and

number of hours per day they may be required to work.

(2) The notice required by section (1) of this rule may be given:

(a) At the time the employee is hired;

(b) Prior to commencing work on the contract; or

(3) If an employer fails to give the notice required by section (1) of this rule, the work schedule will be presumed to

be a five-day work schedule.

(4) The work schedule may be changed by the employer if the change is intended to be permanent and is not

designed to evade the overtime requirements of ORS 279C.540 and OAR 839-025-0050. Notice of any work

schedule changes intended to be made by an employer must be provided in writing to affected employees in

advance of the change.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651.060

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.334

History: Renumbered from 839-016-0034, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BL 1-1998, f. & cert. ef. 1-5-

98; BL 3-1997(Temp), f. 7-31-97, cert. ef. 8-1-97

839-025-0035

Payment of Prevailing Rate of Wage

(1) Every contractor or subcontractor employing workers on a public works project must pay to such workers no

less than the applicable prevailing rate of wage for each trade or occupation, as determined by the commissioner, in

which the workers are employed. Additionally, all wages due and owing to the workers shall be paid on the regular

payday established and maintained under ORS 652.120.

(2) When a public works project is subject to the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141 et seq.), if the state prevailing

rate of wage is higher than the federal prevailing rate of wage, the contractor and every subcontractor on the project

shall pay no less than the state prevailing rate of wage as determined under ORS 279C.815.

(3) Every person paid by a contractor or subcontractor in any manner for the person's labor in the construction,

reconstruction, major renovation or painting of a public work is employed and must receive no less than the

applicable prevailing rate of wage, regardless of any contractual relationship alleged to exist. Thus, for example, if

partners are themselves performing the duties of a worker, the partners must receive no less than the prevailing rate

of wage for the hours they are so engaged.

(4) Persons employed on a public works project and who are spending more than 20% of their time during any

workweek in performing duties which are manual or physical in nature as opposed to mental or managerial in

nature are workers and must be paid the applicable prevailing rate of wage. Mental or managerial duties include,

but are not limited to, administrative, executive, professional, supervisory or clerical duties.

(5) Persons employed on a public works project for the manufacture or furnishing of materials, articles, supplies or

equipment (whether or not a public agency acquires title to such materials, articles, supplies or equipment during

the course of the manufacture or furnishing, or owns the materials from which they are manufactured or furnished)

are not workers required to be paid the applicable prevailing rate of wage unless the employment of such persons is

performed in connection with and at the site of the public works project.

(6) Except as provided in ORS 279C.838, persons employed on a public works project who are employed by a

commercial supplier of goods or materials must be paid no less than the applicable prevailing rate of wage when

the work is performed at the "site of work" as that term is defined in OAR 839-025-0004(25) or when the work is

performed in fabrication plants, batch plants, borrow pits, job headquarters, tool yards or other such places that are

dedicated exclusively or nearly so to the public works project.

(7) Except as provided in ORS 279C.838, persons employed on a public works project by the construction

contractor or construction subcontractor to transport materials or supplies to or from the public works project are

required to be paid the applicable prevailing wage rate for work performed in connection with the transportation of

materials or supplies at the "site of work" as that term is defined in OAR 839-025-0004(25).

(8) Persons employed on a public works project for personal services, as that term is defined in ORS 279C.100(5),

as opposed to construction work, are not workers required to be paid the prevailing rate of wage.

(9) Every apprentice, as defined in OAR 839-025-0004(1), must be paid not less than the appropriate percentage of

the applicable journeyman's wage rate and fringe benefits as determined pursuant to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870.

Any worker on a public works project who is not an apprentice as defined in OAR 839-025-0004(1), or who is not

employed by a registered training agent pursuant to ORS 660.010(10), or who is not working pursuant to the

standards of the apprentice’s apprenticeship program, must be paid not less than the applicable prevailing rate of

wage for the classification of work actually performed. In addition, if the total number of apprentices employed

exceeds the ratio permitted in the applicable standards, all apprentices so employed must be paid not less than the

applicable journeyman's prevailing wage rate for work actually performed.

(10) Every trainee, as defined in OAR 839-025-0004(29), must be paid not less than the appropriate percentage of

the applicable journeyman's wage rate and fringe benefits determined pursuant to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870. Any

worker on a public works project who is not a trainee as defined in OAR 839-025-0004(29), or who is not

employed by a registered training agent pursuant to ORS 660.010(10), or who is not working pursuant to the

standards of the trainee’s program, must be paid not less than the applicable prevailing rate of wage for the

classification of work actually performed. In addition, if the total number of trainees employed exceeds the ratio

permitted in the applicable standards, all trainees so employed must be paid not less than the applicable

journeyman's prevailing wage rate for work actually performed.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 651.060(4) & ORS 279C.808

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.800-.870

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 9-2013, f. 12-18-13, cert. ef. 1-1-14; BLI

23-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11; BLI 28-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; BLI 18-2009(Temp), f. 8-3-09, cert.

ef. 8-5-09 thru 1-31-10; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; BLI 29-2005, f. 12-29-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06;

Renumbered from 839-016-0035, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02;

BL 4-1997, f. & cert. ef. 8-29-97; BL 1-1997(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 4-29-97; BL 8-1996, f. 8-26-96, cert. ef. 9-1-96;

BL 5-1990, f. 3-30-90, cert. ef. 4-1-90; BL 7-1989(Temp), f. 10-2-89, cert. ef. 10-3-89; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-

84; BL 14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0037

Residential Construction Projects; Wage Rates; Rate Determinations

(1)(a) For residential construction projects as defined in OAR 839-025-0004(24) and subject to ORS 279C.800 to

279C.870, public agencies shall use federal Davis-Bacon wage rates for residential construction projects unless

there is no applicable federal rate for a particular trade or classification on the residential project.

(b) If the applicable federal Davis-Bacon wage rate determination does not include a rate for a particular trade or

classification needed on a specific residential construction project, and the project is subject to ORS 279C.800 to

279C.870 but not the federal Davis-Bacon Act, the public agency is required to request a special wage rate,

identifying the specific trade or classification, pursuant to OAR 839-025-0007.

issued by any federal agency within twelve months of the date of any request for a special wage rate pursuant to

subsection (b) of this section.

(d) Requests for special wage rate determinations for projects subject to both ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 and the

federal Davis-Bacon Act shall be submitted pursuant to Title 29 CFR, Part 5.5(a)(1)(ii) as amended January 9,

2017.

(e) Copies of any special federal wage rate determinations requested and subsequent determination(s) issued

pursuant to subsection (d) of this section must be provided to the commissioner by the public agency.

(2) Notwithstanding section (1) of this rule, the commissioner, consistent with statutory authority, may survey and

issue residential rates.

(3) Requests for special wage rates for residential construction projects pursuant to section (1)(b) of this rule must

be submitted to the Bureau of Labor and Industries by the public agency no fewer than fifteen (15) business days

prior to the date the specifications for the project are first advertised.

(4) If a public agency fails to request special wage rates for a residential construction project pursuant to section

(1)(b) of this rule at least fifteen (15) business days before the date the specifications for the project are first

advertised for the project, the Prevailing Wage Rates for Public Contracts published by the Commissioner of the

Bureau of Labor and Industries in effect when the specifications are first advertised shall apply to those trades or

classifications for which there is no applicable federal residential rate.

(5) The federal Davis-Bacon wage rates apply to residential construction projects subject to ORS 279C.800 to

279C.870 regardless of whether federal law requires Davis-Bacon rates on the project.

(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of this rule, unless otherwise exempt, under no circumstances may a rate

less than the minimum wage rate required by ORS 653.025 be paid to any worker on a residential construction

project subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870.

Statutory/Other Authority:

ORS 279C.808 & ORS 651.060(4)

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.800–279C.870

History:

BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 2-2016, f. & cert. ef. 3-31-16; BLI 9-2011, f. 10-

27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; BLI 39-2006, f. 11-8-06, cert. ef. 11-10-06; BLI

19-2006(Temp), f. 5-12-06, cert. ef. 5-15-06 thru 11-10-06

839-025-0038

Use of Multiple Wage Rate Determinations on Projects

(1) The commissioner may authorize the use of multiple wage rate determinations on projects comprised of more

than one construction type. For example, on a project consisting of the construction of both residential units and

commercial space, the commissioner may authorize residential wage rates to be paid for work performed in

connection with the construction of the residential units pursuant to OAR 839-025-0037 and non-residential

prevailing wage rates to be paid for work performed in connection with the construction of the commercial space.

(2) A public agency, developer or prime contractor may request authorization to use multiple wage determinations

on a project. Requests for authorization to use multiple wage determinations on a project must be in writing,

describe all relevant details of the project or proposed project, and be submitted to: Prevailing Wage Rate Unit,

Wage and Hour Division, Bureau of Labor and Industries, 800 NE Oregon St., #1045, Portland, OR, 97232.

(3) The requester will be advised if the commissioner determines that multiple wage rate determinations are

appropriate and may be used on a project.

(4) If the commissioner determines that multiple wage rate determinations may be used on a project, continued

authorization to use the multiple wage rate determinations shall be contingent upon compliance with the following

requirements:

(a) The project/contract specifications must clearly delineate the portions of the project subject to each applicable

wage rate determination;

(b) All applicable wage rate determinations must be posted at the site of work pursuant to the provisions of OAR

839-025-0033, with an explanation of the portions of the project to which each wage rate determination applies;

paid in accordance with the applicable wage rates; and

(d) Each and every contractor employing workers on the project must prepare, submit and maintain accurate time

and payroll records to demonstrate compliance with all wage rate determinations applicable to the project.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 651.060(4) & 279C.808

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.800 – 279C.870

History: BLI 9-2018, renumbered from 839-025-0315, filed 03/23/2018, effective 03/23/2018; BLI 6-2017, minor

correction filed 12/01/2017, effective 12/01/2017; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

839-025-0040

Payment of Fringe Benefits

(1) Each contractor and subcontractor required to pay workers the prevailing rate of wage must pay no less than the

hourly rate of pay and fringe benefits as determined by the Commissioner.

(2) The rate of pay for fringe benefits paid to apprentices and trainees shall be not less than such rate paid to the

majority of such apprentices and trainees in the same trade or occupation as determined by the commissioner. If

there is no majority in the same trade or occupation, as determined by the commissioner, apprentices and trainees

shall be paid the full amount of the fringe benefits.

(3) The requirements of section (1) of this rule are met when the amount of the fringe benefit or benefits is paid to

the worker, in cash, in lieu of a third party administering a fringe benefit or benefits program.

(4) When a contractor or subcontractor pays an hourly rate of pay which exceeds that which is determined by the

Commissioner, the amount by which the rate is exceeded may be credited toward payment of the amount of fringe

benefits determined by the Commissioner for the trade or occupation.

(5) When a contractor or subcontractor pays a rate for any one fringe benefit which exceeds that which is

determined for the fringe benefit, the amount by which the rate is exceeded may be credited toward payment of the

amount to be paid for all fringe benefits as determined by the Commissioner for the trade or occupation.

(6) When a contractor or subcontractor pays an amount for fringe benefits which exceeds that which is determined

by the Commissioner the amount by which it exceeds the determination may be credited toward payment of the

hourly rate of pay as determined by the Commissioner.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.350

History: Renumbered from 839-016-0040, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BL 4-1997, f. & cert. ef. 8-29-

97; BL 1-1997(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 4-29-97; BL 14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0043

Frequency of Payment of Fringe Benefits

(1) Contributions made by a contractor or subcontractor to a bona fide fringe benefit plan, fund, or program must be

made on a regular basis and not less often than quarterly.

(a) “Regular basis” means either the schedule of contribution as provided in writing in the plan, fund or program, or

if none, the regular contribution schedule established by the contractor or subcontractor pursuant to subsection (b)

of this section. For example, if the plan specifies that contributions to a bona fide fringe benefit fund be made by

the fifteenth calendar day of each month following the month the wages were earned, then contributions to the fund

must be made by that date.

(b) If the plan, fund or program does not specify a contribution date, or if the specified contribution date as written

in the plan, fund or program does not meet the meaning of “not less often than quarterly,” as defined below, the

contractor or subcontractor must establish and maintain a contribution date by which payment to the plan, fund or

program will be made on a regular basis and not less often than quarterly.

fund, plan or program at least once every three months within an established consecutive twelve month period. The

contribution must represent payment to the fund, plan or program for amounts earned in the three month period

immediately prior to the contribution date.

(A) An established twelve month period may be a calendar year, fiscal year, plan year, or other consecutive twelve

month period as determined by the employer. The beginning of the twelve month period may be changed only if the

change is intended to be permanent, and is not designed to evade the timely payment of contributions into a bona

fide fund, plan or program. If an employer does not determine a consecutive twelve month period, the default

period shall be a calendar year; that is, from 12:00 midnight on January 1 to 11:59 p.m. December 31, each year.

(B) As an example, using the calendar year as the established consecutive twelve month period, a contractor or

subcontractor establishes a contribution date of April 15 for the payment of fringe benefits earned between January

1 and March 31 into the plan, fund or program; consequently, amounts earned between April 1 and June 30 must be

contributed into the plan, fund or program on or before July 15; amounts earned between July 1 and September 30

must be contributed into the plan, fund or program on or before October 15; and amounts earned between October 1

and December 31 must be contributed into the plan, fund or program on or before January 15.

(2) Payments of fringe benefits made directly to the worker in lieu of payment of fringe benefits to a plan, fund, or

program must be paid to the worker as wages on the regularly scheduled pay date.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 651.060(4) & 279C.808

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C

History: BLI 9-2013, f. 12-18-13, cert. ef. 1-1-14; Renumbered from 839-016-0043, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert.

ef. 3-1-05; BL 1-1998, f. & cert. ef. 1-5-98

839-025-0045

Youth Apprentices

Youth apprentices, as defined in ORS 344.745, shall not be employed on public works construction projects

(Reference: 344.750(5)).

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: Renumbered from 839-016-0045, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-

839-025-0050

Overtime Wages Computations

(1) As used in this rule "work day" or "day" means any time period of 24 consecutive hours as determined by the

employer. The beginning of the work day may be changed only if the change is intended to be permanent, if the

change is made in writing and if the change is not designed to evade the overtime requirements of ORS 279C.540.

If an employer does not determine a 24 consecutive hour period, the default 24 consecutive hour period shall be

from 12:00 midnight to 11:59 p.m. For purposes of overtime wages computation, each work day stands alone.

(2) Contractors and subcontractors required by ORS 279C.540 to pay overtime wages shall pay such wages as

follows:

(a) Workers must be paid at least time and one-half the hourly rate of pay, excluding fringe benefits, for all hours

worked:

(A) On Saturdays;

(B) On the following legal holidays:

(i) Each Sunday;

(ii) New Year's Day on January 1;

(iii) Memorial Day on the last Monday in May;

(iv) Independence Day on July 4;

(v) Labor Day on the first Monday in September;

(vi) Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday in November;

(vii) Christmas Day on December 25;

(D) Over eight (8) hours in a day; or

(E) Over 10 hours in a day provided:

(i) The employer has established a work schedule of four consecutive days (Monday through Thursday or Tuesday

through Friday) pursuant to OAR 839-025-0034; and

(ii) The employer operates in accordance with this established work schedule.

(b) Where a worker performs work in one or more classifications which provide for one or more hourly rates of pay

the worker must be paid, in addition to the straight time hourly earnings for all hours worked, a sum determined by

multiplying one half the weighted average of the hourly rates by the number of overtime hours worked pursuant to

subsection (a) of this rule.

excluded from the computations. Though the amount paid for fringe benefits must be paid for all hours worked,

such amount is not included when determining the overtime rate. For example, a worker who works a five-day

work schedule and earns $15 per hour plus $3 per hour in fringe benefits and works ten hours in a day is entitled to

$195 (($15/hr x 8 hours) + ($22.50/hr x 2 hours) + ($3/hr x 10 hours) = $195) for that day.

(3) Examples of computing overtime wages: See Appendix 3.

[ED. NOTE: Appendices referenced are available from the agency.]

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651.060

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.334

History: BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11; Renumbered from 839-016-0050, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert.

ef. 3-1-05; BL 1-1998, f. & cert. ef. 1-5-98; BL 3-1997(Temp), f. 7-31-97, cert. ef. 8-1-97; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-

13-84; BL 14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0054

Exemption from Overtime Pay Requirements on Public Improvement Projects

(1) As used in ORS 279C.540(4) and in this rule, unless the context requires otherwise:

(a) "A collective bargaining agreement in effect" means a collective bargaining agreement which is recognized as

being binding on all parties by the National Labor Relations Board; which is enforceable within the geographic area

in which the public improvement is located; and, the terms of which extend to workers who are working on the

public improvement project;

(b) "Labor organization" means any organization certified as such by the National Labor Relations Board.

(2) ORS 279C.540(4) provides an exemption from the overtime pay requirements of ORS 279C.540(1), (2) and (3)

under the following circumstances:

(a) The contract on which work is performed is a public improvement contract; and

(b) The contractor is a party to a collective bargaining agreement in effect with any labor organization.

(3) The exemption would not apply, for example, under the following circumstances:

(a) To workers employed on a public improvement who are not covered by the terms of a collective bargaining

agreement;

(b) When the labor organization has no jurisdiction in the geographical area where work is being performed;

public improvement projects.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 651.060

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.342

History: Renumbered from 839-016-0054, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BL 7-1992, f. & cert. ef. 6-11-

839-025-0060

Apprentices Working upon Public Works Projects

(1) Apprentices will be permitted to work upon a public works project at less than the prevailing rate of wage for

the work performed when they are employed by a registered training agent pursuant to ORS 660.010(10), and are

working pursuant to the standards of the apprentice’s apprenticeship program, and are individually registered in a

bona fide apprenticeship program registered with:

(a) The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship (OA); or

(b) A state apprenticeship agency recognized by the OA; or

not individually registered in the program, but who has been certified by the OA or a state apprenticeship agency to

be eligible for probationary employment as an apprentice.

(2) The allowable ratio of apprentices to journeymen in any craft classification must conform to the apprenticeship

standards filed with the Oregon Apprenticeship and Training Council for the particular craft or program in which

the contractor's or subcontractor's apprentices are registered.

(3) The contractor or subcontractor will be required to furnish to the contracting officer or a representative of the

Wage and Hour Division written evidence of the registration of the program and apprentices as well as the

appropriate ratios and wage rates (expressed in percentages of the journeymen hourly rates) prescribed in that

program. The commissioner has prepared a form, WH-120, which can be used by contractors or subcontractors in

complying with this rule. Use of this form is optional.

(4) Notwithstanding section (1) of this rule, apprentices must be paid the full prevailing rate of wage when the

program in which they are registered is located in a state contiguous to Oregon which does not recognize

apprentices registered in a program approved by the Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

[ED. NOTE: Forms referenced are available from the agency.]

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 651.060(4)

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348

History: BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11; BLI 23-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11; Renumbered from

839-016-0060, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02; BL 7-1994, f. &

cert. ef. 11-16-94; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-84; BL 14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0065

Trainees Working upon Public Works Projects

(1) Trainees will not be permitted to work upon a public works project at less than the prevailing rate of wage for

the work performed unless they are employed by a registered training agent pursuant to ORS 660.010(10) and are

individually registered in a program which has received prior approval of the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of

Apprenticeship and Training.

(2) The ratio of trainees to journeymen must not be greater than permitted under the plan approved by the Bureau of

Apprenticeship and Training.

(3) The contractor or subcontractor will be required to furnish the contracting officer or a representative of the

Wage and Hour Division written evidence of the certification of the program, the registration of the trainees, and

the ratios and wage rates prescribed in that program. The contractor or subcontractor may use form WH-120 for

this purpose. Use of this form is optional.

(4) In the event the Apprenticeship and Training Division withdraws approval of a training program, the contractor

will no longer be permitted to utilize trainees at less than the applicable prevailing rate of wage for the work

performed until an acceptable program is approved.

[ED. NOTE: Forms referenced are available from the agency.]

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348

History: BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11; Renumbered from 839-016-0065, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert.

ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-84; BL 14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-

20-82

839-025-0080

Liability to Workers

(1) Any contractor or subcontractor or any surety thereof who fails or refuses to pay at least the prevailing wages

and fringe benefits as determined by the commissioner or any overtime wages as required by ORS 279C.540 is

liable to the workers affected for all the unpaid prevailing wages, including fringe benefits, and unpaid overtime

wages.

(2) The contractor or subcontractor or surety thereof, referred to in section (1) of this rule, is also liable to all

unpaid workers for an amount equal to the unpaid prevailing wages, including fringe benefits, as liquidated

damages.

(3) The contractor or subcontractor or surety thereof, referred to in section (1) of this rule, is also liable to all

unpaid workers for an amount equal to the unpaid overtime wages as liquidated damages, except that if the unpaid

overtime results from willful falsification of payroll records, these liquidated damages shall be twice the amount of

unpaid overtime.

(4) Any public agency that fails to include a provision in the advertisement for bids, the request for bids, the

contract specifications, the accepted bid or elsewhere in the contract documents that the contractor and any

subcontractor shall comply with ORS 279C.840 shall be jointly and severally liable, with any contractor or

subcontractor that had notice of the requirement to comply with ORS 279C.840, to the workers affected for any

unpaid minimum wages.

(5) As used in section (4) of this rule, "minimum wages" means the prevailing wage, including fringe benefits, as

determined by the commissioner. "Minimum wages" does not mean overtime wages required by ORS 279C.540

nor liquidated damages referred to in sections (2) and (3) of this rule.

(6) When a public works project is subject to the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141 et seq.) and a public agency

fails to include the state and federal prevailing rates of wage in the specifications for the contract for public works

as required under ORS 279C.830(1)(a), or fails to provide in the contract that workers on the public works project

must be paid not less than the higher of the applicable state or federal prevailing rate of wage as required under

ORS 279C.830(1)(d), the public agency is liable to each affected worker for:

(a) The worker's unpaid minimum wages, including fringe benefits, in an amount that equals, for each hour worked,

the difference between the applicable higher rate of wage and the lower rate of wage; and

(b) An additional amount, equal to the amount of unpaid minimum wages due under subsection (a) of this section,

as liquidated damages.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651.060

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.334 & 279.356

History: BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11; BLI 3-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 6-8-11 thru 12-4-11; BLI 42-

2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; Renumbered from 839-016-0080, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BL 1-

1998, f. & cert. ef. 1-5-98; BL 3-1997(Temp), f. 7-31-97, cert. ef. 8-1-97; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-84; BL 14-

1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0085

Contract Ineligibility

(1) Under the following circumstances, the commissioner, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act,

may determine that a contractor or a subcontractor or a firm, limited liability company, corporation, partnership or

association in which the contractor or subcontractor has a financial interest may not receive a contract or

subcontract for a public works for a period of three years:

(a) The contractor or subcontractor intentionally failed or refused to pay the prevailing rate of wage to workers

employed on a public works project as required under ORS 279C.840;

(b) The contractor failed to pay to the contractor's employees amounts required under ORS 279C.840 and a surety

or another person paid the amounts on the contractor's behalf;

required under ORS 279C.840 and the contractor, a surety or another person paid the amounts owed on the

subcontractor's behalf;

(d) The contractor or subcontractor intentionally failed or refused to post the prevailing wage rates as required

under ORS 279C.840(4) and these rules; or

(e) The contractor or subcontractor intentionally falsified information in the certified statements the contractor or

subcontractor submitted under ORS 279C.845.

(2) If a contractor or subcontractor is a corporation or a limited liability company, the provisions of this rule will

apply to any corporate officer or agent of the corporation or any member or manager of the limited liability

company who is responsible for failing or refusing to pay or post the prevailing wage rates, failing to pay to the

contractor's employees amounts required under ORS 279C.840 that a surety or other person pays on the contractor's

behalf, failing to pay to a subcontractor’s employees amounts required under ORS 279C.840 that the contractor, a

surety or other person pays on the subcontractor’s behalf or intentionally falsifying information in the certified

statements the contractor or subcontractor submits under ORS 279C.845.

(3) As used in section (2) of this rule, any corporate officer or agent of the corporation or any member or manager

of the limited liability company responsible for failing or refusing to pay or post the prevailing wage rates, failing

to pay to the contractor's employees amounts required under ORS 279C.840 that a surety or other person pays on

the contractor's behalf, failing to pay to a subcontractor's employees amounts required under ORS 279C.840 that

the contractor, surety or other person pays on the subcontractor's behalf or intentionally falsifying information in

the certified statements the contractor or subcontractor submits under ORS 279C.845, includes, but is not limited

to, the following individuals when the individuals knew or should have known the amount of the applicable

prevailing wages or that such wages must be posted:

(a) The corporate president;

(b) The corporate vice president;

(d) The corporate treasurer;

(e) Any member or manager of the limited liability company;

(f) Any other person acting as an agent of a corporate officer, the corporation, limited liability member or manager,

or limited liability company.

(4) The Wage and Hour Division will maintain a written list of the names of contractors, subcontractors and other

persons who are ineligible to receive public works contracts and subcontracts. The list will contain the name of

contractors, subcontractors and other persons and the name of any firms, corporations, limited liability companies,

partnerships or associations in which the contractor, subcontractor or other persons have a financial interest. Except

as provided in OAR 839-025-0095, such names will remain on the list for the duration of the period, as determined

by the commissioner, in which no contract or subcontract for public works may be received.

(5) Before placing a name on the ineligible list referred to in section (4) of this rule, the commissioner will serve a

notice of intended action upon the contractor or subcontractor in the same manner as service of summons or by

certified mail, return receipt requested. The notice will include:

(a) A reference to ORS 279C.840;

(b) A short and concise statement of the matters which constitute intentional failure or refusal to pay or post the

prevailing rate of wage or intentional falsification of information in the certified statements;

hearing, provided that any such request must be received by the commissioner in writing within 20 days of service

of the notice;

(d) A statement that the party's name will be published on a list of persons ineligible to receive public works

contracts or subcontracts, unless the party requests a contested case hearing as provided in section (5)(c) of this

rule;

(e) A statement that failure to make written request to the commissioner for a contested case hearing within the

time specified will constitute a waiver of the right thereto; and

(f) A statement that if a hearing is requested, the contractor or subcontractor will be given information on

procedures and rights as required by ORS 183.413(2).

(6) Upon the failure of the contractor or subcontractor to request a contested case hearing within the time specified,

the commissioner or the commissioner's designee will enter an order supporting the bureau's action.

(7) If a contractor or subcontractor makes a timely request for a contested case hearing, a hearing will be held in

accordance with OAR 839-050-0000 to -0045 and presided over by an administrative law judge designated by the

commissioner.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 651.060(4) & ORS 279C.808

Statutes/Other Implemented: OL Ch. 334 (2017) & ORS 279C.860

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 9-2013, f. 12-18-13, cert. ef. 1-1-14; BLI

28-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; BLI 18-2009(Temp), f. 8-3-09, cert. ef. 8-5-09 thru 1-31-10; BLI 42-2007, f.

12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; Renumbered from 839-016-0085, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f.

2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-84; BL 14-1982, f. 10-19-82,

ef. 10-20-82

839-025-0090

List of Ineligibles

(1) A contractor, subcontractor or other persons and any firm, corporation, limited liability company, partnership or

association in which the contractor or subcontractor has a financial interest may not receive a contract or

subcontract for public works for a period of three years after the date on which the Commissioner of the Bureau of

Labor and Industries publishes the contractor's or subcontractor's name on a list of persons ineligible to receive

such contracts or subcontracts.

(2) The list of persons ineligible to receive contracts or subcontracts on public works shall be known as the List of

Ineligibles. In addition to names referred to in section (1) of this rule, the list shall contain the date the name was

placed on the list and the period of time for which the person is ineligible.

(3) The List of Ineligibles shall be published and amended as needed at any time. Such list shall be made available

to the public as published or amended.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 651.060(4) & ORS 279C.808

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.860

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 9-2013, f. 12-18-13, cert. ef. 1-1-14; BL

14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef. 10-20-82; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-84; Renumbered from 839-016-0090, BLI 7-2005, f.

2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07. cert. ef. 1-1-08; BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11

839-025-0095

Removal of Names from List of Ineligibles

(1) The names of the contractor, subcontractor or other persons and the names of any firm, corporation, limited

liability company, partnership or association in which the contractor, subcontractor or other persons have a

financial interest shall remain on the list for the period of t

ime for which the contractor, subcontractor or other

person is ineligible.

(2) The names referred to in section (1) of this rule shall be removed from the list after the period of time for which

the contractor, subcontractor or other person is ineligible has expired.

(3) The commissioner may, for good cause shown, remove a name from the list before the expiration of the period

of ineligibility. If the commissioner determines good cause has been shown, the commissioner shall issue an order

directing the removal of such name or names.

(4) Contractors, subcontractors or other persons, or any firm, corporation, limited liability company, partnership or

association in which the contractor, subcontractor or other persons have a financial interest who desire to be

removed from the list before the expiration of the period of ineligibility must show good cause for such removal.

Such persons may petition the commissioner at any time during the period of ineligibility.

(5) In reviewing such petitions, the commissioner shall consider the following matters:

(a) The past history of the petitioner in taking all necessary measures to prevent or correct violations of statutes or

rules;

(b) Prior violations, if any, of statutes or rules;

(d) Other matters which indicate to the commissioner that the petitioner is not likely to violate ORS 279C.800 to

279C.870 and these rules in the future.

(6) The commissioner shall grant or deny the petition.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 651.060(4) & 279C.808

Statutes/Other Implemented: H.B. 2646, 77th Leg., Reg. Ses. (Or2013) & ORS 279C

History: BLI 9-2013, f. 12-18-13, cert. ef. 1-1-14; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; Renumbered from

839-016-0095, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-84; BL 14-1982, f. 10-19-82, ef.

10-20-82

839-025-0100

Exemptions from ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870

(1) All public works are regulated under ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 except as follows:

(a) Projects for which the total price does not exceed $50,000. As used in this section, the price of a project

includes, but is not limited to, the value of work performed by every person paid by a contractor or subcontractor in

any manner for the person's work on the project, but does not include the value of donated materials or work

performed on the project by individuals volunteering to the public agency without pay. If the price of a project

exceeds $50,000 at any time during the project, the project is not exempt from ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870.

(b) Contracts of a People's Utility District, which are regulated under ORS 261.345.

(d) Projects:

(A) That are privately owned;

(B) That use funds of a private entity;

agency; and

(D) For which less than $750,000 of funds of a public agency are used.

(E) For purposes of this rule, if none of the square footage of a completed project will be occupied or used by a

public agency and no funds of a public agency are used, the provisions of paragraphs (C) and (D) of this subsection

will be deemed to have been met.

(e) Projects for residential construction that are privately owned and that predominantly provide affordable housing.

As used in this paragraph:

(A) "Affordable housing" means housing that serves occupants whose incomes are no greater than 60 percent of the

area median income or, if the occupants are owners, whose incomes are no greater than 80 percent of the area

median income.

(B) "Predominantly" means 60 percent or more.

(i) Affordable housing provided on real property owned by a public agency if the real property and related

structures are leased to a private entity for 50 or more years; and

(ii) Affordable housing owned by a partnership, nonprofit corporation or limited liability company in which a

housing authority, as defined in ORS 456.005, is a general partner, director or managing member and the housing

authority is not a majority owner in the partnership, nonprofit corporation or limited liability company.

(2) The provisions of ORS 279C.840 and these rules that regulate payment of the prevailing rate of wage do not

apply to:

(a) Inmates of the Oregon Department of Corrections assigned to:

(A) A work release program or otherwise working in gainful private employment pursuant to ORS 144.480,

relating to prison inmate labor; or

(B) State Parks and Recreation Department projects to improve, maintain and repair buildings and property at state

parks and recreation areas pursuant to ORS 390.195(1).

(b) Oregon Youth Conservation Corps members.

(3) Pursuant to ORS 352.138, universities with governing boards are exempt from the following Prevailing Wage

Rate statutes: ORS 279C.805; ORS 279C.807; ORS 279C.808; ORS 279C.815; ORS 279C.817; ORS 279C.820;

and ORS 279C.829. This exemption, however, does not apply to an agreement under the terms of which a private

entity constructs, reconstructs, renovates or paints an improvement on real property owned by a university with a

governing board or by a nonprofit organization or other entity that a university with a governing board owns or

controls exclusively.

(4) A public agency is not subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 if the public agency only provides funds for a

public works project that are not "funds of a public agency" as that phrase is defined in OAR 839-025-0004(9), or,

if the public agency will use or occupy less than 25% of the square footage of the completed public works project

and less than 25% of combined square footage of the completed project will be used or occupied by public

agencies.

(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections (1), (2), (3), and (4) of this rule, public works as defined in ORS

279C.800 (6)(a)(D) are not exempt from ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870.

[Publications referenced are available from the agency.]

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651.060

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.357, 390.195(1) & OL Ch. 628 (2001)

History: BLI 2-2016, f. & cert. ef. 3-31-16; BLI 23-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07,

cert. ef. 1-1-08; BLI 20-2007(Temp), f. 7-30-07, cert. ef. 8-1-07 thru 1-27-08; BLI 18-2006, f. 5-12-06, cert. ef. 5-

15-06; BLI 29-2005, f. 12-29-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; Renumbered from 839-016-0100, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert.

ef. 3-1-05; BLI 15-2001, f. & cert. ef. 11-14-01; BL 1-1998, f. & cert. ef. 1-5-98; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96;

BL 4-1984, f. & ef. 3-13-84

839-025-0150

Definitions Related to Installation of Art on Public Works

(1) For purposes of this rule and OAR 839-025-0155, notwithstanding the definitions in 839-025-0004:

(a) “Construction,” “reconstruction,” and “major renovation” do not include the installation of applied art.

(b) “Worker” does not include an individual whose primary duty consists of the performance of work that is

original and creative in character in a recognized field of artistic endeavor (as contrasted to work which can be

produced by an individual endowed with general manual or intellectual ability and training), and the result of which

depends primarily on the invention, imagination or talent of the individual.

(2) The installation of applied art includes, but is not limited to, the installation of pictures (including paintings,

etchings, drawings and photographs), all hangings, pieces of sculpture, statues and other artistic pieces which are

independent unto themselves and are not necessary to the structural integrity of the public work.

(3) Installation work necessary to the structural integrity of a public work includes, but is not limited to, the

installation of windows, ceiling tiles, brick and concrete masonry, sheet metal or other fascia materials, siding of

any kind, lights, support beams and any item necessary to the construction of the actual public work itself, or to the

health and safety of persons who use or will use the public work. The painting of a public work, or any of its parts

is considered necessary to the structural integrity of the public work.

(4) Work considered to be "de minimus" means work not regulated under ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 or these

rules.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.363

History: BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; Renumbered from 839-016-0150, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert.

ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02; BL 8-1984, f. & ef. 6-21-84

839-025-0155

Payment of Prevailing Rate of Wage for the Installation of Art on Public Works Projects

(1) Workers engaged in the installation of art necessary to the structural integrity of the public work, as defined in

these rules, must be paid no less than the applicable prevailing rate of wage as determined by the Commissioner.

(2) Workers engaged in the installation of applied art, as defined in these rules, are not required to be paid the

prevailing rate of wage when such work is the only work in which the worker is engaged while employed on the

public work project. Such work is considered de minimus as defined in these rules.

(3) Any artist whose primary duties consist of those described in OAR 839-025-0150(1)(b) is not required to be

paid the prevailing rate of wage, even when the artist is engaged in the installation of art necessary to the structural

integrity of the public work when the art is of the artist’s own creation.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.342

History: BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11; Renumbered from 839-016-0155, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert.

ef. 3-1-05; BL 8-1984, f. & ef. 6-21-84

839-025-0200

Fees to Be Paid by Public Agency

(1) A public agency must pay a fee to the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit for every contract awarded to a contractor for

a public work which is regulated under the Prevailing Wage Rate Law (ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870).

(2) The amount of the fee is one tenth of one percent (.001) of the contract price. However, the fee must be no less

than $250 nor more than $7,500 regardless of the contract price.

(3) The public agency must pay the fee at the time the public agency notifies the commissioner under ORS

279C.835 a contract subject to the provisions of Prevailing Wage Rate law has been awarded.

(4) In order to assist public agencies in the proper calculation of the fee, the bureau has prepared a form for this

purpose. The form, WH-39, is available, on request, from the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit.

(5) As used in this rule, "contract price" means the dollar amount of the contract on the date it was awarded to the

contractor and the dollar amount of any subsequent change orders or other adjustments.

[ED. NOTE: Forms referenced are available from the agency.]

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11; BLI 28-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; BLI 18-2009(Temp),

f. 8-3-09, cert. ef. 8-5-09 thru 1-31-10; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; Renumbered from 839-016-0200,

BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96

839-025-0210

Adjustment of Fees Paid by Public Agency

(1) Within 30 days of the final progress payment to the contractor by the public agency after completion of the

contract, the public agency must determine the final contract price. The public agency must consider all change

orders or other adjustments to the contract price in making the determination.

(2) The public agency must calculate the fee in accordance with OAR 839-025-0200(2) and must credit the amount

paid pursuant to 839-025-0200(3). The difference, if any, must be determined as follows:

(a) In the case of a reduction of more than $100 in the amount of the fee, the public agency may submit a request to

the bureau for a refund of the difference and the bureau will pay a refund to the public agency;

(b) In the case of an increase of more than $100 in the amount of the fee, the public agency must pay the difference

to the bureau.

(3) Requests for refunds and additional payments must be submitted with sufficient documentation to show how the

amount to be refunded or to be paid was calculated. All such requests or payments must be made to the Prevailing

Wage Rate Unit within 30 days after the date the final progress payment was made to the contractor by the public

agency after completion of the contract.

(4) In order to assist public agencies in the proper calculation of the fee, the bureau has prepared a form for this

purpose. The form, WH-40, is available, on request, from the Prevailing Wage Rate Unit.

[ED. NOTE: Forms referenced are available from the agency.]

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11; BLI 28-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; BLI 18-2009(Temp),

f. 8-3-09, cert. ef. 8-5-09 thru 1-31-10; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; Renumbered from 839-016-0210,

BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96

839-025-0220

Fees for Contract Without Specific Award Amounts

(1) When a project is a public work subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870, but the contract is awarded without

stating any specific amount, the contract price for purposes of calculating the fee shall be based on the amount the

public agency anticipates to be the guaranteed maximum amount of the project.

(2) When the contract is completed, adjustments in the fees shall be calculated and paid or a refund may be

requested as provided in OAR 839-025-0210.

(3) When the public agency has not determined the guaranteed maximum amount, the agency shall make a good

faith estimate of the contract price. The fee shall be calculated on this estimated amount.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: BLI 42-2007, 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; BLI 29-2005, f. 12-29-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; Renumbered from

839-016-0220, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96

839-025-0230

Fees for Contracts with Other Special Circumstances

(1) When a public agency enters into an agreement for construction management services or chooses to act as its

own general contractor or construction manager in connection with a public works project subject to ORS

279C.800 to 279C.870, the contract price for purposes of determining whether the project is regulated under the

law shall be the sum of all contracts associated with the project or, if the actual sums are not known at the time

work begins, the contract price shall be the guaranteed maximum amount for the project or the agency's good faith

estimate of the contract price of the project if there is no guaranteed maximum amount.

(2) When a public agency contracts with a contractor to act as the general manager of a public works project, the

contract for general manager services is a public works contract for purposes of these rules and a fee is required just

as it is for any other public works contract, since the contract would not have been entered into but for the public

works project.

(3) When a public agency acts as its own general contractor and enters into one or several contracts in connection

with a public works project subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870, the public agency is required to pay the fee in

connection with each contract awarded to each contractor. The fee is required on all contracts, regardless of the

contract price of any individual contract, so long as the combined price of all contracts awarded on the project is

$50,000 or more.

(4) When a project is a public works project pursuant to ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(B) and no public agency awards a

contract to a contractor for the project, the public agency or agencies providing public funds for the project shall

pay the required fee at the time the public agency or agencies commit(s) to the provision of funds for the project.

The amount of the fee shall be based on the total project amount. When the amount of the project is not known by

the public agency or agencies providing public funds for the project, the public agency or agencies shall pay the

required fee pursuant to the provisions of OAR 839-025-0220.

(5) When a project is a public works project pursuant to ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(C) and no public agency awards a

contract to a contractor for the project, the public agency or agencies that will occupy or use the completed project

shall pay the required fee when the agency or agencies enter(s) into an agreement to occupy or use the completed

project. The amount of the fee shall be based on the total project amount. When the amount of the project is not

known by the public agency or agencies that will occupy or use the completed project, the public agency or

agencies shall pay the required fee pursuant to the provisions of OAR 839-025-0220.

(6) When a project is a public works project pursuant to ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(D) and no public agency awards a

contract to a contractor for the project, the public agency that owns the land, premise(s), structure(s), or building(s)

on which the solar radiation device will be constructed or installed shall pay the required fee at the time the public

agency enters into an agreement authorizing the construction or installation of the solar radiation device. The

amount of the fee shall be based on the total project amount. When the amount of the project is not known by the

public agency, the public agency shall pay the required fee pursuant to the provisions of OAR 839-025-0220.

(7) When a project is a public works project pursuant to ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(E) and no public agency awards a

contract to a contractor for the project, the public university listed in ORS 352.002 that owns the land, premise(s),

structure(s), or building(s) on which the construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting takes place shall

pay the required fee at the time the public university enters into an agreement authorizing the construction,

reconstruction, major renovation or painting. The amount of the fee shall be based on the total project amount.

When the amount of the project is not known the public university shall pay the required fee pursuant to the

provisions of OAR 839-025-0220.

(8) When more than one public agency is required to pay a fee pursuant to section (4) or (5) of this rule, the amount

of the fee owed by each public agency shall, if not otherwise previously agreed upon by the agencies, be pro-rated

proportionately based on the amount of public funds provided or space occupied or used by each agency.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 651.060(4) & ORS 279C.808

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.800-.870

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 9-2013, f. 12-18-13, cert. ef. 1-1-14; BLI

9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11; BLI 23-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef.

1-1-08; BLI 29-2005, f. 12-29-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; Renumbered from 839-016-0230, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert.

ef. 3-1-05; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96

839-025-0300

Actions that Circumvent Payment of Prevailing Wages Prohibited

No person shall take any action which circumvents the payment of the prevailing wage rate to workers on public

works projects.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: Renumbered from 839-016-0300, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-

839-025-0310

Division of Projects

(1)(a) A person or public agency may not divide a public works project into more than one project for the purpose

of avoiding compliance with ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870.

(b) When making a determination of whether a person or public agency divided a public works project to avoid

compliance with ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870, the commissioner will consider the facts and circumstances in any

given situation including, but not limited to, the following matters:

(A) The physical separation of project structures;

(B) Whether a single public works project includes several types of improvements or structures;

(D) Whether the structures or improvements are similar to one another and combine to form a single, logical entity

having an overall purpose or function;

(E) Whether the work on the project is performed in one time period or in several phases as components of a larger

entity;

(F) Whether a contractor or subcontractor and their employees are the same or substantially the same throughout

the particular project;

(G) The manner in which the public agency and the contractors administer and implement the project;

(H) Other relevant matters as may arise in any particular case.

purpose of avoiding compliance with ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870, the commissioner will issue a written order

compelling compliance with 279C.800 to 279C.870. The order will offer the person or public agency the

opportunity to contest the order pursuant to OAR 839-050-0000 through 839-050-0420.

(2) Regardless of whether the commissioner believes that a person or public agency divided a public works project

for the purpose of avoiding compliance with ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870, the commissioner may apply the

considerations set forth in subsection (1)(b) of this rule to determine whether to divide a public works project into

more than one contract.

(3) If a project is a public works of the type described in ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(B) or (C), the commissioner shall

divide the project, if appropriate, after applying the considerations set forth in section (1)(b) of this rule to separate

the parts of the project that include funds of a public agency or that will be occupied or used by a public agency

from the parts of the project that do not include funds of a public agency and that will not be occupied or used by a

public agency. If the commissioner divides the project, any part of the project that does not include funds of a

public agency and that will not be occupied or used by a public agency is not subject to 279C.800 to 279C.870.

(4) If a project includes parts that are owned by a public agency and parts that are owned by a private entity, the

commissioner shall divide the project, if appropriate, after applying the considerations set forth in sections (1)(b)

and (2) of this rule to separate the parts of the project that are public works from the parts of the project that are not

public works. If the commissioner divides the project, parts of the project that are not public works are not subject

to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870.

(5) When a private project for the construction, reconstruction, major renovation or painting of a privately owned

road, highway, building, structure or improvement of any type that is already underway becomes a public works

project by virtue of the provisions of ORS 279C.800(6)(a)(B) or (C), the provisions of 279C.800 to 279C.870 apply

prospectively to the project once any public agency commits to the provision of funds for the project or any public

agency enters into an agreement to occupy or use any portion of the completed project. If a public agency delays a

commitment to the provision of funds or delays entry into an agreement for occupancy or use for the purpose of

avoiding compliance with 279C.800 to 279C.870, the commissioner may determine that the provisions of 279C.800

to 279C.870 shall apply to the entire public works project under section (1) of this rule.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279C.808 & ORS 651.060(4)

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.800-.870 & OL Ch. 334 (2017)

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08;

BLI 20-2007(Temp), f. 7-30-07, cert. ef. 8-1-07 thru 1-27-08; Renumbered from 839-016-0310, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-

25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96

839-025-0320

Payment of Prevailing Wage by Persons Other than Contractors or Subcontractors Prohibited

(1) Except as provided herein, no person, other than the contractor or subcontractor, shall pay or contribute any

portion of the prevailing rate of wage specified in the contract to workers employed on the public works contract.

(2) A contractor or subcontractor violates ORS 279C.840(6)(a) and section (1) of this rule if another contractor,

subcontractor, public agency, surety, or person pays the prevailing rate of wage or contributes any portion of the

prevailing rate of wage that the contractor or subcontractor owes or pays to its workers for labor performed on a

public works project.

(3) Section (1) of this rule does not apply to payments to workers who are enrolled in government-subsidized

training or retraining programs.

(4) For purposes of this rule, a person pays or contributes to the payment of the prevailing rate of wage when a

contractor or subcontractor receives monies pursuant to a program, plan or other agreement that includes a

provision that members of a labor organization contribute part of their wages to the labor organization for the

purpose of paying contractors or subcontractors the difference in the wage rate negotiated under the collective

bargaining agreement and the wage rate used by the contractor or subcontractor in obtaining a contract. However, a

person does not pay or contribute to the payment of the prevailing rate of wage when the contractor or

subcontractor receives monies pursuant to such program, plan or agreement if the collectively bargained wage rate

exceeded the prevailing rate of wage in effect at the time the contractor or subcontractor made a bid on a contract.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279C.808 & ORS 651.060(4)

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.840(6)(a) & OL Ch. 334 (2017)

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 2-2016, f. & cert. ef. 3-31-16;

Renumbered from 839-016-0320, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05

BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96

839-025-0330

Wage Averaging Prohibited

(1) No contractor or subcontractor shall reduce a worker's regular rate of pay for work on projects not subject to the

Prevailing Wage Rate Law (ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870) when the reduction in pay has the effect of the worker not

receiving the prevailing rate of wage for work performed on the public works project.

(2) As used in this rule, "regular rate" has the same meaning as that defined in OAR 839-020-0030(2)(b).

(3) When making a determination of whether a contractor or subcontractor has reduced a worker's regular rate in

violation of section (1) of this rule, the bureau shall consider:

(a) The timing of the wage rate reduction;

(b) Whether the wage rate reduction was made pursuant to an established plan;

(d) Whether the wage rate reductions are applied to workers employed on public works projects but not to workers

employed only on projects not subject to the Prevailing Wage Rate Law (ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870);

(e) Other considerations as the facts and circumstances of a particular matter may reveal.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: Renumbered from 839-016-0330, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-

839-025-0340

Circumventions of the Prevailing Wage Rate Law

(1) A public agency circumvents the payment of the prevailing rate of wage when it knowingly or intentionally:

(a) Fails or refuses to include a provision stating the existing prevailing rate of wage in the contract specifications

in violation of ORS 279C.830;

(b) Fails or refuses to include a provision in the contract that workers on the contract shall be paid no less than the

specified minimum hourly rate of wage in violation of ORS 279C.830;

279C.827.

(d) Awards a contract to a contractor whose name appears on the list of ineligibles maintained pursuant to ORS

279C.860.

(2) The "specified minimum hourly rate of wage" as used in section (1)(b) of this rule means the applicable

prevailing rate of wage.

(3) A contractor circumvents the payment of the prevailing rate of wage when it knowingly or intentionally awards

a contract to a contractor whose name appears on the list of ineligibles maintained pursuant to ORS 279C.860.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; BLI 20-

2007(Temp), f. 7-30-07, cert. ef. 8-1-07 thru 1-27-08; Renumbered from 839-016-0340, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05,

cert. ef. 3-1-05; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96

839-025-0500

Definitions Related to Civil Penalties for Violations of Prevai

ling Wage Rates on Public Works Matters

As used in OAR 839-025-0500 to 839-025-0540, a person acts knowingly when the person has actual knowledge of

a thing to be done or omitted or should have known the thing to be done or omitted. A person should have known

the thing to be done or omitted if the person has knowledge of facts or circumstances that would place the person

on reasonably diligent inquiry. A person acts knowingly if the person has the means to be informed but elects not to

do so. For purposes of the rule, the contractor, subcontractor and public agency are presumed to know the

circumstances of the public works construction project.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History:

BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08

Renumbered from 839-016-0500, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05

BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96

839-025-0510

Violations Separate and Distinct

Each violation is separate and distinct. In the case of continuing violations, each day's continuance is a separate and

distinct violation.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: Renumbered from 839-016-0510, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-

839-025-0520

Criteria to Determine Civil Penalty

(1) The commissioner shall consider the following mitigating and aggravating circumstances when determining the

amount of any civil penalty to be assessed against a contractor, subcontractor or public agency and shall cite those

the commissioner finds to be applicable:

(a) The actions of the contractor, subcontractor or public agency in responding to previous violations of statutes and

rules;

(b) Prior violations, if any, of statutes and rules;

(d) The magnitude and seriousness of the violation;

(e) Whether the contractor, subcontractor or public agency knew or should have known of the violation.

(2) It shall be the responsibility of the contractor, subcontractor or public agency to provide the commissioner with

evidence of any mitigating circumstances set out in section (1) of this rule.

(3) In arriving at the actual amount of the civil penalty, the commissioner shall consider the amount of the

underpayment of wages, if any, in violation of any statute or rule.

(4) Notwithstanding any other section of this rule, the commissioner shall consider all mitigating circumstances

presented by the contractor, subcontractor or public agency for the purpose of reducing the amount of the civil

penalty to be assessed.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279 & 651

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279.348 - 279.380

History: BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; Renumbered from 839-016-0520, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert.

ef. 3-1-05; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96

839-025-0530

Violations for Which a Civil Penalty May Be Assessed

(1) The commissioner may assess a civil penalty for each violation of any provision of the Prevailing Wage Rate

Law (ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870) and for each violation of any provision of the administrative rules adopted

under the Prevailing Wage Rate Law.

(2) For purposes of this section, a failure to pay the required prevailing rate of wage and a failure to pay required

fringe benefits are separate violations.

(3) Civil penalties may be assessed against any contractor, subcontractor or public agency regulated under the

Prevailing Wage Rate Law and are in addition to, not in lieu of, any other penalty prescribed by law.

(4) The commissioner may assess a civil penalty against a contractor or subcontractor for any of the following

violations:

(a) Failure to pay the applicable prevailing rate of wage in violation of ORS 279C.840;

(b) Failure to pay the applicable hourly fringe benefit rate of wage in violation of ORS 279C.840;

established and maintained under ORS 652.120 in violation of ORS 279C.840(1).

(d) Failure to post the applicable prevailing wage rates in violation of ORS 279C.840(4);

(e) Failure to post the notice describing the health and welfare or pension plans in violation of ORS 279C.840(5);

(f) Failure to include a provision in a subcontract that workers shall be paid not less than the specified minimum

hourly rate of wage in violation of ORS 279C.830(1)(c);

(g) If a public works project is subject to both ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 and to the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C.

3141 et seq.), failure to include a provision in a subcontract that workers must be paid not less than the higher of the

applicable state or federal prevailing rate of wage in violation of ORS 279C.830(1)(d);

(h) Failure to include in a subcontract, either between a contractor and a subcontractor, or between a subcontractor

and another subcontractor, a provision requiring the subcontractor to have a public works bond filed with the

Construction Contractors Board before starting work on the project, unless exempt, in violation of ORS

279C.830(2);

(i) Failure to file with the Construction Contractors Board a public works bond, as required under ORS 279C.836,

before starting work on a contract or subcontract for a public works project subject to the provisions of ORS

279C.800 to 279C.870;

(j) Failure to verify that a subcontractor has filed a public works bond as required or has elected not to file a public

works bond under ORS 279C.836 prior to permitting a subcontractor to start work on a public works project;

(k) Failure to file certified statements in violation of ORS 279C.845;

(l) Filing inaccurate or incomplete certified statements in violation of ORS 279C.845;

(m) Failure to retain 25 percent of the amount the first-tier subcontractor earned when the first-tier subcontractor

fails to submit payroll and certified statement forms to the public agency in violation of ORS 279C.845;

(n) Reducing an employee's pay in violation of ORS 279C.840(7);

(o) Taking action to circumvent the payment of the prevailing wage, other than subsections (k) and (m) of this

section, in violation of ORS 279C.840(7);

(p) Failure to submit reports and returns in violation of ORS 279C.815(3);

(q) Failure to certify the accuracy of reports and returns in violation of ORS 279C.815(3);

(r) Failure to timely pay the fee required by ORS 279C.825 on public works contracts first advertised or solicited

prior to January 1, 2008;

(s) Receiving a public works contract or subcontract while on the list of ineligibles in violation of ORS 279C.860;

(t) Awarding a contract to a contractor or subcontractor whose name appears on the list of ineligibles maintained

pursuant to ORS 279C.860;

(u) Failure to contribute fringe benefit wages timely to a trustee or to a third person pursuant to a plan, fund or

program on a “regular basis” and “not less often than quarterly,” as those terms are defined in OAR 839-025-0043.

(5) The commissioner may assess a civil penalty against a public agency for any of the following violations:

(a) Failure to include in the specifications for a public works contract a provision stating the applicable existing

prevailing wage rate in violation of ORS 279C.830(1)(a);

(b) If a public works project is subject to both ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 and to the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C.

3141 et seq.), failure to require the contractor to pay the higher of the applicable state prevailing rate of wage or

federal prevailing rate of wage to all workers in violation of ORS 279C.830(1)(b);

in violation of ORS 279C.830(1)(c);

(d) If a public works project is subject to both ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870 and to the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C.

3141 et seq.), failure to include a contract provision stating that workers on public works must be paid not less than

the higher of the applicable state prevailing rate of wage or federal prevailing rate of wage in violation of ORS

279C.830(1)(d);

(e) Failure to include in the specifications for a contract for a public works a provision stating that the contractor

and every subcontractor must have a public works bond filed with the Construction Contractors Board before

starting work on the project, unless exempt, in violation of ORS 279C.830(2);

(f) Failure to include in a contract for a public works a provision requiring the contractor to have a public works

bond filed with the Construction Contractors Board before starting work on the project, unless exempt, in violation

of ORS 279C.830(2)(a);

(g) Failure to include in a contract for a public works a provision requiring the contractor to include in every

subcontract a provision requiring the contractor to have a public works bond filed with the Construction

Contractors Board before starting work on the project, unless exempt, in violation of ORS 279C.830(2)(b);

(h) Failure to notify the commissioner when a contract is awarded in violation of ORS 279C.835;

(i) Dividing a public works project in violation of ORS 279C.827;

(j) Failure to include a copy of the disclosure of first-tier subcontractors with the Notice of Public Works in

violation of ORS 279C.835;

(k) Failure to retain 25 percent of the amount the contractor earned when the contractor fails to submit payroll and

certified statement forms to the public agency in violation of ORS 279C.845;

(l) Failure to timely pay the fee required in violation of ORS 279C.825;

(m) Awarding a contract to a contractor whose name appears on the list of ineligibles maintained pursuant to ORS

279C.860;

(n) Entering into an agreement with another state or a political subdivision or agency of another state agreeing that

a contractor or subcontractor may pay less than the prevailing rate of wage determined in accordance with ORS

279C.815 under the terms of a contract for public works to which the contracting agency is a party or of which the

contracting agency is a beneficiary in violation of ORS 279C.829.

(o) Failure to comply with the state's least cost policy in violation of ORS 279C.305 or material breach of an

agreement negotiated by the public agency and a contractor or trade association to remedy a violation of ORS

279C.305 and prevent future violations.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 651.060(4) & ORS 279C.808

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.800-.870, OL Ch. 334 (2017) & OL Ch. 715 (2017)

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 2-2016, f. & cert. ef. 3-31-16; BLI 9-

2013, f. 12-18-13, cert. ef. 1-1-14; BLI 9-2011, f. 10-27-11, cert. ef. 11-1-11; BLI 3-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 6-8-

11 thru 12-4-11; BLI 28-2009, f. 12-1-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; BLI 18-2009(Temp), f. 8-3-09, cert. ef. 8-5-09 thru 1-31-

10; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; BLI 20-2007(Temp), f. 7-30-07, cert. ef. 8-1-07 thru 1-27-08; BLI

29-2005, f. 12-29-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; Renumbered from 839-016-0530, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05;

BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02; BL 1-1998, f. & cert. ef. 1-5-98; BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96

839-025-0540

Schedule of Civil Penalties

(1) The civil penalty for any one violation may not exceed $5,000. The actual amount of the civil penalty will

depend on all the facts and on any mitigating and aggravating circumstances.

(2) For purposes of this rule, "repeated violations" means violations of a provision of law or rule which has been

violated on more than one project within two years of the date of the most recent violation.

(3) Notwithstanding any other section of this rule, when the commissioner determines to assess a civil penalty for a

violation of ORS 279C.840 regarding the payment of the prevailing rate of wage, the minimum civil penalty will be

calculated as follows:

(a) An equal amount of the unpaid wages or $1,000, whichever is less, for the first violation;

(b) Two times the amount of the unpaid wages or $3,000, whichever is less, for the first repeated violation;

violations.

(4) Notwithstanding any other section of this rule, when the commissioner determines to assess a civil penalty for a

violation of ORS 279C.825, or OAR 839-025-0200, or 839-025-0220 regarding fees to be paid by a public agency,

the minimum civil penalty to be assessed will be calculated as follows:

(a) An equal amount of the unpaid fee or $1,000, whichever is greater, for the first violation;

(b) Two times the amount of the unpaid fee or $3,000, whichever is greater, for the second violation;

violations.

(5) Notwithstanding any other section of this rule, when the commissioner determines that a public agency willfully

engaged in a violation of the least cost policy set forth in ORS 279C.305, the commissioner may assess a civil

penalty of not more than $20,000.

(6) The civil penalty for all other violations will be set in accordance with the determinations and considerations

referred to in OAR 839-025-0520.

(7) The civil penalties set out in this rule are in addition to any other penalty assessed or imposed by law or rule.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 279C.808 & ORS 651.060(4)

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 279C.305, .825, .840 & OL Ch. 715 (2017)

History: BLI 4-2018, amend filed 02/22/2018, effective 02/22/2018; BLI 42-2007, f. 12-28-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08;

Renumbered from 839-016-0540, BLI 7-2005, f. 2-25-05, cert. ef. 3-1-05; BLI 5-2002, f. 2-14-02, cert. ef. 2-15-02;

BL 3-1996, f. & cert. ef. 1-26-96

Appendices to Rules

Appendix 1: Planned Public Improvement Summary Form (WH-118)

Appendix 2: Capital Improvement Project Cost Comparison Estimate Form (WH-119)

Appendix 3: Examples of weighted average overtime calculations

Appendix 4: Certification of Registered Apprentice(s) and/or Trainee(s) Form (WH-120)

Appendix 5: Statutory Public Works Bond Form

Appendix 6: U. S. Department of Labor All Agency Memorandum No. 130 and No. 131

Forms referenced are available from the agency.