Opinion ID: 2539485
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Enforcement of the Prevailing Wage Law

Text: In addition to setting prevailing wages rates, the Cabinet is also responsible for enforcing the prevailing wage law by ensuring that government contractors properly pay their workers. KRS 337.550. To this end, contractors and subcontractors working on prevailing wage projects are required to keep records indicating the hours worked by every employee in each classification of construction and the wages paid for that labor. KRS 337.530(2). For example, if an employee performs both pipefitting work and sheet metal work, his employer must maintain records noting the number of hours worked as a pipefitter and as a sheet metal worker and the wages paid for each type of work. These records must be made available for the Cabinet's inspection at any reasonable time. Id. If an employee performing work on a prevailing wage job believes that he has not been properly paid, he may file a complaint with the Cabinet. KRS 337.550(1). The Cabinet must investigate the worker's claims and, if appropriate, bring a legal action to assist him in collecting the back wages allegedly due from his employer. KRS 337.550. If the worker is employed by a subcontractor, the Cabinet may take action against either the subcontractor or the prime contractor, which is jointly and severally liable for any wages the subcontractor fails to pay. KRS 337.990(12). The Cabinet also has the power to penalize contractors and subcontractors that violate the prevailing wage law. KRS 337.990. The Cabinet may do so by issuing a citation describing the violations that occurred and imposing a civil penalty. KRS 336.985(3). The civil penalties assessed by the Cabinet can range from one hundred to one thousand dollars for each violation. KRS 337.990(12). If the contractor fails to pay the penalties within fifteen days of receiving the citation, the Cabinet must file a civil action to collect them. KRS 336.985(3). With this statutory framework in mind, we turn to the facts giving rise to TECO's claims.