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Prevailing Wage Material Tester FAQ

1. Is the classification of Material Worker I and Material Worker II new classifications under the Prevailing Wage Act (PWA)?​

No, the classifications of Material Worker I and Material Worker II already existed in 15 counties of the State.

2.Is the classification of Material Tester/Inspector I and Material Tester/Inspector II that was added to the counties of Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Henry, Mercer, Livingston, Whiteside, Rock Island, Bureau, Putnam and LaSalle encompass the same job duties as the classifications entitled Material Tester I and Material Tester II that already existed?​

Yes, notwithstanding the difference in the classification title, the classification entitled Material Tester I involves the same job duties as the classification entitled Material Tester/Inspector I. Likewise, the classification entitled Material Tester II involves the same job duties as the classification entitled Material Tester/Inspector II.

3. Is it necessary that an individual performing material tester work on a PWA project join a union?​

No, an individual working on a PWA project does not need to join a union, but while working on a project subject to the PWA, that individual must be paid the wage rates and benefits for the classifications of material worker as set forth in the Department’s prevailing wage schedules which are located on the Department’s website.

4. If an individual is working on a project that is not subject to the PWA must the wage rates and benefits for material testers be paid?​

No. If the project is not subject to the PWA, then the wage rates and benefits for the classification of material worker would not apply.​​