Kanjorski Announces Victory for Workers in the Gulf States; President Bush Decides Not to Cut Wages

WASHINGTON - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today claimed a victory for workers in the Gulf States as he announced that President Bush reversed his decision to suspend a federal law that requires corporations receiving federal contracts to pay at least prevailing wages in the area affected by Hurricane Katrina. The prevailing wage is the typical wage for a certain job function in a specific geographic area. 

In September, President Bush suspended the law known as the Davis-Bacon Act that ensured wage protections for both union and non-union workers alike. A letter from 35 Republican Representatives had urged him to do so.

Subsequently, Congressman Kanjorski joined with 203 House Democrats to introduce a bill known as the Fair Wages for Hurricane Victims Act, or H.R. 3763, that would have reversed President Bush's order. The U.S. House of Representatives could have taken legislative action on the issue as early as next week.

"I am pleased with President Bush's decision to reverse the disappointing action he had taken by suspending this important law. The 1931 Davis-Bacon Act ensures that all workers, regardless of union membership, are paid fair and decent wages. When he suspended this law, President Bush sent a message that the residents of the Gulf States deserved less-than-adequate compensation for their work by giving contractors free rein to pay however little they chose," Congressman Kanjorski said. "I am glad that President Bush has seen the error of his previous decision and chosen the American worker over big business."

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