What does the Davis-Bacon Act primarily require?

The Davis-Bacon Act primarily requires payment of the prevailing wage on federal contracts for construction work. This legislation mandates that contractors and subcontractors performing work on publicly funded projects must pay their workers at least the locally prevailing wages and benefits, as determined by the Department of Labor. This is intended to ensure fair compensation for laborers and to prevent contractors from cutting costs by paying lower wages.

The focus of this act is on promoting wage standards within the local marketplace where the work is being performed, which helps to create a level playing field for contractors bidding on federal projects. Thus, compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act helps protect local economies and supports the principle of fair labor standards in federally funded construction projects.

While minimum wages, workplace safety standards, and federal funding might be related topics in the context of construction and labor laws, they are not the primary requirement set forth by the Davis-Bacon Act itself.