Strategic Counterclaim Blocks IDOL’s Attempt to Reclassify Solar Work Under Illinois Prevailing Wage Act

Amundsen Davis attorneys Jeff Risch and Mike Hughes successfully defended a union signatory contractor under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act against the Illinois Department of Labor (Department) in state court. After the Department attempted to reclassify solar panel installation work from “carpenter” to “electrician” classification, the attorneys filed a counterclaim in response. By doing so, the Department ultimately determined that certain solar-related tasks (e.g., constructing and installing supporting steel, brackets, I-beams, and racking system components) is not solely electrical work. Therefore, such work may be properly classified as, and performed by, trades other than electricians.