Office of Labor Relations (OLR)

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The Office of Labor Relations is primarily concerned with the administration and enforcement of Federal prevailing wage requirements in HUD programs. Labor Relations staff ensure that all construction and maintenance laborers and mechanics working on covered projects are paid no less than the Federal prevailing wage rate for the type of work they perform. The Office works with organized labor, contractors, housing and community development industry groups, and other agencies to support and enhance HUD's employment and community empowerment objectives for low-income people through such innovative jobs initiatives as the "Step-Up" program.

Working independently or in conjunction with HUD Counsel, HUD program staff, the Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour staff, HUD and DOL Inspectors General, and/or the Department of Justice, Labor Relations staff undertake investigations into suspected violations while also taking protective measures to ensure the availability of funds to pay whatever wage restitution is ultimately found due. Labor Relations staff also provide technical and practical support to State and local agencies administering HUD programs where such agencies have initial responsibility for labor standards administration and enforcement. From time to time, the Office issues written guidance to assist its own field staff and the local agency staff in this responsibility. This guidance includes Labor Relations Letters, the "On the Mark!" Series and Desk Guides. More recent publications include A Practical Guide for States, Indian Tribes and A Contractor's Guide to Prevailing Wage Requirements for Federally-Assisted Construction Projects.

In recent cases, HUD’s Labor Relations staff completed or supported investigations or other enforcement actions resulting in wage restitution totaling $1,701,039.95 found due to 584 underpaid workers.

	Highlights
Streamlining Davis-Bacon   Making Davis-Bacon Work - A Practical Guide for States, Indian Tribes and Local Agencies   Making Davis-Bacon Work - A Contractor's Guide to Prevailing Wage Requirements for Federally-Assisted Construction Projects   Information for construction and maintenance laborers and mechanics working on HUD-assisted projects   What's New