COLUMBUS, Ohio — Construction workers across Ohio are set to benefit from a new digital system designed to ensure fair pay on publicly funded projects. The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Industrial Compliance unveiled the new Prevailing Wage Rate system on June 27, aiming to increase transparency, strengthen compliance, and simplify access to local wage standards.

The system provides detailed wage information by occupation and jurisdictional area, allowing workers, contractors, and government agencies to easily verify compensation requirements for various public projects across the state.

“The new Prevailing Wage Rate system represents a significant step forward in our commitment to transparency and fairness,” said Stephen Clegg, Chief of the Bureau of Wage and Hour. “By making wage information more accessible and secure, we are ensuring that Ohio workers are compensated fairly for their hard work. This upgrade not only benefits workers but also supports businesses and government entities in maintaining compliance with prevailing wage laws.”

Ohio’s prevailing wage laws require contractors working on qualifying public construction projects—such as schools, government buildings, and infrastructure—to pay workers wages and benefits that are consistent with locally determined rates. These standards are meant to ensure that taxpayer-funded projects support good-paying jobs and discourage undercutting by low-wage, out-of-area labor.

With this new system, Ohio aims to modernize a process that was often paper-based, fragmented, and time-consuming. The platform allows users to search and download current wage determinations based on specific crafts and counties, streamlining access to required wage rates before projects begin.

The rollout of the system comes amid broader national conversations about wage theft, fair labor practices, and worker classification in the construction industry. By increasing visibility into wage expectations, the tool acts as a preventive measure against potential violations.

In addition to aiding enforcement, the platform is also expected to improve bid accuracy for contractors and subcontractors, allowing them to estimate labor costs more precisely and submit competitive, compliant bids for public contracts.

For labor unions and worker advocacy groups, the launch is being viewed as a major win. Easy access to verified wage data empowers workers to check that their pay matches legal standards—an especially important development as Ohio continues to invest in infrastructure through state and federal funds.

Officials say the new system is designed not just for state employees but also for local governments and school districts, which often oversee projects subject to prevailing wage laws. The centralized platform reduces administrative burden and increases confidence in payroll oversight.

The Department of Commerce noted that training materials and webinars will soon be made available to help users—both contractors and public agencies—navigate the system effectively and fulfill reporting requirements.

With billions of dollars flowing into public infrastructure through initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, Ohio’s system could become a model for other states seeking to modernize wage enforcement and promote equity in public construction.

In summary, Ohio’s digital transformation of its prevailing wage system reflects a broader commitment to fair pay, labor rights, and efficient governance—values that are increasingly central to construction policy debates across the country.

Originally reported by WSYX Staff in ABC 6 News.