Would You Make Less Money To Work In Arizona?

Minimum wage has been a hotly contested issue across the United States. While most people would kill to be making more money, raising those wages increases the products being sold to compensate. This eventually just brings us right back to where we were, but with a higher number in our bank account.

While minimum wage is a pretty cut-and-dry case across the board, raising at either the federal or state level, prevailing wages are a different story entirely.

That's causing issues in Arizona.

What is Prevailing Wage?

Prevailing wage is a concept very similar to minimum wage. It becomes valid during certain public works projects, matching the wages of the workers to the standard for any federal contracting.

Recently, an ordinance in Tucson that requires prevailing wages was named illegal, leading to mixed reactions from contractors and workers.

Pros of Prevailing Wage

On the side of prevailing wage are many of the workers across Pima and Maricopa counties. They believe that it helps provide a steady wage in a profession that pays anything but steady. Those who have noted the effect it has on workers with families, medical bills, and other responsibilities that require a steady paycheck.

Cons of Prevailing Wage

On the other side are the contractors. Prevailing wage, while easing the mind for workers, can cause unnecessary problems for their bosses. Higher spending might be required for a project, which creates a uniform pay schedule, thereby eliminating the idea of a free market where contractors can adjust specific budgets to raise wages or vice versa.

Get our free mobile app

What Prevailing Wage Means for Arizona Workers

This is a question that cannot be answered by a single person. The issue is complex and has both pros and cons for both sides, but the goal is to ensure that the entire industry can compromise and continue to do great work.

[Arizona Capitol Times]

[KAWC]