Search Through All NoticesThe new rates only affect new applications for H-2B workers filed with the Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) on or after June 11, 2024. Certified wage rates for current approvals remain at the old wage rates until the employer’s valid labor certification expires.
All of the occupations on the list for which H-2B workers are commonly imported saw increases in wage rates. For example, Carpenters had an increase of $2.76 per hour, while Cement Masons saw a $1.85 increase, and Reinforcing Metalworkers realized an increase of only $.025. The average wage for all occupations on the list was $19.10 per hour, equating to an increase of $2.17 from the previous biennial cycle.
Similarly employed U.S. workers in the same companies and occupations as H-2B workers will see pay increases based on the updated wage rates as new or extended workers get certified later in the year.
“The H-2B prevailing wage system helps ensure wage equity with our resident workforce who work beside our H-2B guest workers. We are pleased to see the continued increase in wages, which benefits our locals who work in these skilled construction trades,” said Acting Governor Joshua Tenorio. “Additionally, this latest action should serve as an incentive for our local workers who may want to enter the construction workforce as skilled craft workers.”
The U.S. Department of Labor conducts wage surveys through mailers on a yearly basis, and it is vital that employers complete and submit the surveys so that the prevailing wage rates that are established truly represent Guam wages based only on Guam data.
The new Common Construction Prevailing Wage Rates are published on GDOL’s website at dol.guam.gov/compliance/alpcd.
