Protecting the Rights of Workers on Government Contracts

Meet Rebecca Clark, a Wage and Hour Division regional enforcement coordinator for government contracts in the West. We chatted with her recently to hear about her remarkable 27-year career in the Department of Labor.

Q: What led you to your current role?

My career began in 1997, when I joined the Department of Labor’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management after graduating from UC Santa Barbara. Initially, I planned to attend law school but was drawn to the work of the Wage and Hour Division. Witnessing the division’s impactful work, particularly in the field of government contracts and the Davis-Bacon Act, I decided to defer law school and joined the division’s Western Regional Office. From there, I progressed through various roles, including becoming a government contract specialist in 2007. The passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009 led to more opportunities, culminating in my current position as the regional enforcement coordinator for government contracts.

Q: How did your family background influence your career path?

My family has deep roots in teaching, with several relatives working as educators. Growing up, I was exposed to social justice issues through my parents' involvement in their local community and union activities. This upbringing instilled in me a passion for protecting workers’ rights and promoting ethical employment practices, which ultimately guided my career choice in labor law enforcement.

Q: Did you have any concerns about working in government contracts enforcement?

I grew up with two brothers, so I felt comfortable in a field dominated by men. Several union trades business managers took time to talk to me about their trades, ensuring that I met the right people, attended important meetings and had access to workers. It’s been great to see more and more women entering the trades. 

Here’s something remarkable: during trainings on new regulations, when I say, “We all know that skill knows no gender, and now the Davis-Bacon regulations don’t either,” and use the term “journey worker” instead of “journeyman,” there’s always a huge round of applause from women and men.

As a mom, finding balance between my career and motherhood has been a significant journey for me. Initially, I had planned to return to work shortly after giving birth, but meeting my son changed my perspective entirely. With the support of my team and leadership, I was able to take extended leave to prioritize my family. Flexibility within the agency, and support from my coworkers, has allowed me to continue my career in government contracts enforcement while actively participating in my children's lives.

Q: What motivates your passion for enforcing the Davis-Bacon Act?

My passion for the Davis-Bacon Act stems from its role in ensuring fair wages for workers, particularly in unionized sectors. This law doesn’t just ensure a minimum wage, it protects what’s prevailing in an area. In the West, a lot of those prevailing wages are union wages – middle class, living wages.

Prevailing wages aren’t just meaningful to individual workers – they’re also important for local economies. These are wages that workers spend close to home, which benefits their communities. These workers can thrive, not just survive, and that resonates deeply with me. The Davis-Bacon Act represents a commitment to living wages, which I find profoundly meaningful.

Q: What do you hope to see on Davis-Bacon construction projects in the future?

Looking ahead, I hope to see an increase in the presence of women on construction sites. It's crucial that their presence isn't merely perceived as a novelty, but acknowledged and respected because of their expertise and skill.

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