Final answer:
Prevailing wages are typically determined by the state government, reflecting government involvement in setting wage standards to ensure fair compensation for certain job classifications. The correct answer is option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prevailing wages refer to the standard wages set for different job classifications within certain areas and industries, often associated with public works projects. These wages are typically determined by government bodies rather than individual employees or labor unions alone. The federal government and state governments play significant roles in setting these standards through legislation to protect workers and ensure fair compensation.
For example, laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 help to set minimum wage and overtime requirements, reflecting government involvement in wage determination.While labor unions have influence in negotiating wages and working conditions for their members, their negotiated rates may indirectly affect prevailing wages but are not the direct determinants of them. Finally, individual employees have the least control over prevailing wages, as these rates are typically established without direct input from the workforce.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question, 'Prevailing wages are pre-determined for specific job classifications by:', is (b) The state government.