Goldwater writes the Phoenix prevailing wage ordinance violates state law and burdens businesses, which will lead to downstream consequences on “minorities, younger workers and all taxpayers.” || Deposit Photo
By Taylor Seely || The Arizona Republic
The Goldwater Institute and Phoenix Chamber of Commerce are calling on Phoenix City Council to repeal a recently passed rule that effectively gives raises to construction workers on city-funded projects.
Goldwater writes the Phoenix prevailing wage ordinance violates state law and burdens businesses, which will lead to downstream consequences on “minorities, younger workers and all taxpayers.”
The chamber, which represents local business interests, wrote on its website that the rule may “inadvertently” cut construction worker jobs because of the increase in labor costs. It could also mean “depriving Phoenix residents of projects that will improve their neighborhoods and public spaces,” the blog post says.
Phoenix’s prevailing wage rule passed in March in a rapid and contentious 5-4 vote where conservative Sal DiCiccio joined forces with four of the council’s progressives: Betty Guardado, Carlos Garcia, Yassamin Ansari and Laura Pastor. The measure requires construction companies that are hired by the city for projects costing $250,000 or more to pay employees wages comparable to those of skilled laborers in the region.
The measure was added to the agenda the day before the March 22 meeting by three council members, giving little time for the public to learn about it. The supportive council members also amended the ordinance in real time at the meeting before passing it.
