Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations News Release

Bob Holden
Governor

Catherine B. Leapheart
Director

Tammy Cavender
Public Information Coordinator

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Tammy Cavender (573) 751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 22, 2003

HOLDEN ORDERS “MISSOURI-ONLY” EMPLOYMENT FOR MISSOURI PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS

Jefferson City, MO – At the direction of Gov. Bob Holden, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations invoked a law requiring all public works projects to employ only Missouri laborers or laborers from nonrestrictive states --- states that do not restrict Missourians from working on public works projects.

“We want to do everything feasible to provide jobs for Missourians during this decline in the national economy,” Holden said.  “We stand for Missouri workers and will cooperate with all states that cooperate with us.”

While Missouri’s unemployment rate remains below the national average and lower than 25 other states, it exceeded five percent in May and June 2003, allowing the Governor to make restrictions in an effort to support Missouri workers. The law, which was passed in August 1993, goes into effect when the unemployment rate exceeds five percent for two consecutive months.  The law assists Missourians in a slow economic time by employing more Missouri workers, helping contractors keep their workforce employed, and could help lower the unemployment rate.

The law only applies to public works projects currently out for bid, not those let for bid before July 21, 2003, or already under contract.  The law is also in effect throughout the duration of a public works contract.  Therefore, even if the unemployment rate falls below five percent during the construction period, Missouri laborers or laborers from nonrestrictive states are still required.

Nonrestrictive states are as follows: Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.  Workers from these states may work on public works projects in Missouri as long as the states remain nonrestrictive states.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) seasonally adjusted unemployment data is used to determine unemployment rates.  Seasonally adjusted data is appropriate to use concerning public works projects since the construction industry is seasonal itself.  BLS data is published the third or fourth week of each month; therefore, July data should be available in approximately four weeks.

For questions call (573) 751-3403 or visit our website at  www.dolir.mo.gov/ls/faq/faq_PublicWorksEmployment.asp.  You may also view the statute at www.moga.state.mo.us/statutes/C290.HTM.