Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Practice Exam

The prevailing wage law is the correct choice because it specifically mandates that contractors working on public works projects pay workers a wage that is at least equal to the prevailing wages in the locality for similar work. This law is designed to ensure that public contracts do not drive wages down through underbidding, which often happens when employers try to cut costs by paying lower wages. By establishing a minimum wage based on local standards for various job classifications, the prevailing wage law helps to maintain fair compensation for workers, encouraging fair competition among contractors while safeguarding the economic interests of the workforce in public projects.

The other options do not directly address wage protection in the context of public works contracts. The minimum wage law sets a basic hourly wage that employers must adhere to, but it does not specifically relate to public works and does not consider the local prevailing rates. The Fair Labor Standards Act governs various aspects of labor, including minimum wage and overtime, but it does not focus on the unique aspects of public contracting. Lastly, the Workplace Safety Act is concerned with health and safety regulations for workers rather than wage protections.