Illinois Employer Coalition Prevails in Survey Worker Prevailing Wage Dispute
In the dark of the night two years ago, Operators Local 150 and the Laborers persuaded the Illinois Department of Labor to create a new prevailing wage classification for survey workers. When employers learned of these new classifications they formed an unprecedented Coalition consisting of American Council of Engineering Companies – IL, Associated General Contractors of Illinois, Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association, Illinois Road & Transportation Builders Association, Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, Southern Illinois Builders Association, and Underground Contractors Association of Illinois to challenge the Determination that survey workers should be covered by the Illinois prevailing wage.
The two year legal battle was fought both at the administrative level and in Cook County Circuit Court. There were victories and setbacks along the way, but ultimately the Coalition prevailed and on October 16th the Director of the Illinois Department of Labor struck down the Administrative Law Judge’s Decision.
This was a huge win for Illinois contractors and surveyors. At this point, if the unions wish to create a new prevailing wage category for survey workers, they will have to either promptly follow the IDOL’s procedures or challenge the IDOL’s decision in court.
The Coalition that successfully challenged the Determination was represented by Andy Martone and Matt Robinson of HesseMartone.