The proposed law would repeal state law requiring that the wages, including payment to health and welfare plans, paid to persons employed in the construction of public works be no less than the wages paid locally under existing collective bargaining agreements and understandings, or by the municipality, for the same kind of work. Under the proposed law, the Commissioner of Labor and industries would no longer set wage rates for such work or classify jobs.

The proposed law would also remove the Commissioner of Labor and Industries' authority to set the wage rates of employees of contractors who move office furniture and fixtures for the state or a county, city, town or district, and remove the Commissioner's authority to set the wage rates of operators of vehicles and other equipment engaged in public works.

The proposed law would not change the way wages are set for laborers employed by the state Department of Public Works and the Metropolitan District Commission.