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Introduction
From our perspective, contractors working on union job sites across Ohio want to meet their obligations without unnecessary delays or confusion. When hiring members of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 189, employers must provide financial assurance that they will pay union wages in full and on time. That assurance is formalized through the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 189 – Wage (16–20 employees) $50,000 Bond.
This bond guarantees that a contractor will pay all required wages to union employees, as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). If payments are missed or delayed, the bond provides a financial backup to cover those wages. This protects workers and upholds the terms of the labor agreement.
This bond works alongside other required union and contractor bonds, such as the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 189 – Fringe Benefits (16–20 employees) $100,000 Bond, which covers benefit contributions, and the Stark County, OH – Registered Plumber ($10,000) Bond, which ensures plumbers comply with local licensing rules. Each serves a different purpose, but all contribute to a stable, compliant contracting environment.
Understanding this bond—and filing it correctly—allows contractors to keep projects moving and remain in good standing with the union.
Contractors Often Misunderstand Union Wage Bond Requirements
We’ve noticed that many contractors are unclear about why the wage bond is required or how it differs from other bonding obligations. Some mistakenly believe that the fringe benefit bond is enough or that simply having a good payment history means a wage bond is unnecessary. Others confuse this requirement with state licensing bonds like the Stark County, OH – Registered Plumber ($10,000) Bond, which serves a different purpose altogether.
The wage bond is specifically designed to protect union workers’ weekly pay. If a contractor becomes insolvent or simply fails to meet payroll on time, the bond ensures those wages are still paid. Without it, union employees could be left unpaid for hours already worked—a risk the union seeks to eliminate through this financial requirement.
Not understanding this can put contractors in breach of their CBA or leave them blocked from bidding on union projects. That’s why knowing the purpose and conditions of this bond is so important.
Swiftbonds Provides Trusted Support for Ohio Union Bonding
Based on our experience, Swiftbonds works closely with Ohio contractors to help them meet wage bond requirements quickly and accurately. We understand the detailed language required by Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 189 and guide each client through the process of securing the correct bond based on their labor force.
We’ve helped contractors obtain this wage bond as well as related bonds, including the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 189 – Fringe Benefits (16–20 employees) $100,000 Bond and performance or compliance bonds tied to local permits like the Stark County, OH – Registered Plumber ($10,000) Bond. This broad experience allows us to ensure all obligations are addressed and no step is overlooked.
Swiftbonds also supports contractors with less-than-perfect credit, offering competitive bond terms and easy online processing that doesn’t stall your project start.
Steps to Obtain the $50,000 Wage Bond
What we’ve discovered is that bonding becomes simple when contractors follow a consistent plan. Here’s how to obtain the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 189 – Wage (16–20 employees) $50,000 Bond:
- Confirm Your Workforce Size
Determine the number of union employees under Local No. 189. If you employ 16–20 members, this bond amount applies. - Review Your CBA or Union Agreement
Verify the wage bonding requirement and ensure it aligns with your workforce size and project terms. - Apply With Swiftbonds
Provide your business details, CBA reference, and payroll obligations to start the bond application. - Review the Bond Form and Sign
Swiftbonds will issue a bond using the proper format approved by Local No. 189. You’ll review and sign before submission. - Submit the Bond to Union Trustees
Deliver the original bond to the union or the benefit fund administrators as proof of compliance.
This step-by-step process keeps your bond compliant and accepted without delays.
Early Filing Supports Seamless Project Starts
We’ve found that contractors who secure their wage bond early avoid delays at project launch. Waiting until the union demands proof of bond—or worse, until payment is missed—creates avoidable problems. Submitting the Wage (16–20 employees) $50,000 Bond early gives your business a green light to assign labor and proceed on schedule.
This proactive approach is no different than securing early approval for a Stark County, OH – Registered Plumber ($10,000) Bond, or having benefit protections in place through the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 189 – Fringe Benefits (16–20 employees) $100,000 Bond. Each bond works best when it’s filed in advance—not at the last minute.
Early bonding demonstrates to unions and project owners that your company is responsible and ready.
Missed Bonds Can Lead to Job Loss and Legal Exposure
In our observation, failing to submit the wage bond on time can disqualify contractors from union bids or lead to legal actions from unpaid workers. The union may file grievances, halt work, or bring claims through arbitration or litigation. These issues can create financial and reputational damage that outlasts the current project.
Some contractors assume wage bonds are optional, only to find out mid-project that a bond was required under the union agreement. Others rely on benefit bonds like the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 189 – Fringe Benefits (16–20 employees) $100,000 Bond without realizing that wage protection is a separate obligation.
Avoiding these issues starts with early filing and full understanding of what each bond covers.
Bonded Contractors Build Trust and Gain New Opportunities
We’ve learned that Ohio contractors who meet their bonding obligations consistently build strong reputations with project owners and unions. Filing the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 189 – Wage (16–20 employees) $50,000 Bond on time reflects professionalism and financial responsibility.
It also opens the door to more projects. Union labor organizations are more likely to support contractors who handle wages and benefits responsibly, especially those who also maintain other bonds like the Stark County, OH – Registered Plumber ($10,000) Bond or the Fringe Benefits (16–20 employees) $100,000 Bond.
Swiftbonds helps contractors stay bond-compliant, competitive, and focused on their business—not tied up in paperwork or penalties.
Union and Legal Requirements for Wage Bonds
The requirement for this bond is not part of Ohio’s public construction laws but is enforced through collective bargaining agreements. Local No. 189 sets the bond terms based on:
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Workforce size: The $50,000 bond applies to contractors with 16–20 union employees.
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Contractual obligations: The bond secures payment of all wages owed under the union agreement.
Contractors operating in public construction should also review:
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Ohio Revised Code Chapter 153 (Ohio Little Miller Act), which outlines performance and payment bond rules for state-funded projects.
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Local ordinances such as the Stark County Plumbing Code, which may require additional license bonds like the Stark County, OH – Registered Plumber ($10,000) Bond.
Always consult the union or an attorney for specific contractual obligations.
Conclusion
We’ve come to appreciate how contractors maintain long-term success and strong working relationships by understanding and honoring union wage requirements. The Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 189 – Wage (16–20 employees) $50,000 Bond is more than a formality—it’s a tool to protect your labor force and secure your business reputation.
By acting early, partnering with Swiftbonds, and staying current on all bond filings, your company gains the trust of union representatives and project owners. Whether you’re managing wage payments, fringe benefit obligations through the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 189 – Fringe Benefits (16–20 employees) $100,000 Bond, or licensing through the Stark County, OH – Registered Plumber ($10,000) Bond, the right bonding strategy moves your business forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Wage $50,000 Bond cover?
We’ve often noticed contractors asking about bond protection. This bond guarantees that union workers will be paid in full, even if the contractor fails to meet payroll obligations.
Who is required to file this bond?
We’ve often noticed questions about applicability. Any contractor employing between 16 and 20 union members under Local No. 189 must file this bond under the terms of the CBA.
Is this bond different from the fringe benefits bond?
We’ve often noticed confusion between bond types. Yes. The wage bond covers direct payroll, while the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 189 – Fringe Benefits (16–20 employees) $100,000 Bond protects contributions to health and pension funds.
Can this bond be used to satisfy state licensing requirements?
We’ve often noticed this misunderstanding. No. State and local license bonds like the Stark County, OH – Registered Plumber ($10,000) Bond are separate and must be filed independently.
Where should this bond be submitted?
We’ve often noticed delays due to misfiling. The completed bond must be submitted to the union trustees or administrators managing wage protection under the labor agreement.