The Case Against the Davis-Bacon Act: Fifty-Four Reasons for Repeal - Softcover

-Thieblot. . . argues that the Davis-Bacon Act, first passed in 1931, is now obsolete, and that the use of prevailing wage laws in the construction industry is a waste of money. Familiarity with labor relations terms and concepts is assumed, but no knowledge of complex mathematics or economic modeling is required. The book first deals with the history, purposes, and administrative concepts of prevailing wage laws, and provides an overview of the Davis-Bacon Act's administration. It then goes into greater detail about administration of the act, especially with respect to the prevailingness of job titles or characterization of work, the presumptive singularity of union wage rates by craft and class, and the creation and extension of determination rates. The final chapter summarizes the direct and indirect costs of the act, evaluates counterclaims on the economic impact of Davis-Bacon, and considers compromises short of full repeal.- --Book News "Thieblot. . . argues that the Davis-Bacon Act, first passed in 1931, is now obsolete, and that the use of prevailing wage laws in the construction industry is a waste of money. Familiarity with labor relations terms and concepts is assumed, but no knowledge of complex mathematics or economic modeling is required. The book first deals with the history, purposes, and administrative concepts of prevailing wage laws, and provides an overview of the Davis-Bacon Act's administration. It then goes into greater detail about administration of the act, especially with respect to the prevailingness of job titles or characterization of work, the presumptive singularity of union wage rates by craft and class, and the creation and extension of determination rates. The final chapter summarizes the direct and indirect costs of the act, evaluates counterclaims on the economic impact of Davis-Bacon, and considers compromises short of full repeal." --Book News "Thieblot. . . argues that the Davis-Bacon Act, first passed in 1931, is now obsolete, and that the use of prevailing wage laws in the construction industry is a waste of money. Familiarity with labor relations terms and concepts is assumed, but no knowledge of complex mathematics or economic modeling is required. The book first deals with the history, purposes, and administrative concepts of prevailing wage laws, and provides an overview of the Davis-Bacon Act's administration. It then goes into greater detail about administration of the act, especially with respect to the prevailingness of job titles or characterization of work, the presumptive singularity of union wage rates by craft and class, and the creation and extension of determination rates. The final chapter summarizes the direct and indirect costs of the act, evaluates counterclaims on the economic impact of Davis-Bacon, and considers compromises short of full repeal." --Book News

The Davis-Bacon Act is a United States federal law that established the requirement for paying prevailing wages on public works projects. In this book, Armand J. Thieblot argues that it was passed under false pretenses and was based on erroneous economic logic. Yet, it continues to grow in scope and cost. It is attended by a substantial bureaucracy within the Department of Labor that has resisted all efforts at substantive modernization or reform. It is, however, the bedrock upon which stands one of the last bastions of private unionization in the construction industry. This book provides a compelling list of fifty-four reasons why the Davis-Bacon Act must be repealed. The book deals with the history, purposes, and administrative concepts of prevailing wage laws and provides an overview of the act's administration. It covers the survey and determination process, and delves into the administration of the act. Thieblot summarizes the direct and indirect costs, evaluates counterclaims on the economic impact of Davis-Bacon, and considers compromises short of full repeal. Also included are seven appendices that provide full detail on the conclusions summarized in the main text. Armand Thieblot documents a case against Davis-Bacon that is neither judgmental nor political, but questions whether there is valid public interest in maintaining a federal prevailing wage law. He puts forward a list of compelling reasons why the Davis-Bacon Act should be repealed, one that deserves action beyond simple consideration. This work should be read by all economists, law makers, and government officials.