Rate rules allow you to define wage rates based on union, job, position, shift, and other attributes. This import process enables automated rate matching during payroll processing, certified payroll generation, and rate validation.
What You’ll Need
Prepare a rate import file using the Rates Import File . Required and optional fields include:
✅ Required Fields:
- Rate – the base wage rate for this rule
🟡 Optional Fields (used to create rules that are job-, union-, or shift-specific):
- Union Number – one or more union codes (e.g., IBEW 123)
- Job No – limit the rule to a specific job
- Position/Class – one or more TradeSeal position codes (e.g., JM, A1,A2, or Laborer)
- Shift – use if different rates apply to shifts like Night or Weekend
- Employee Pay Type – limit to hourly or salary employees
- Employee ID – use to define a custom rate for a specific employee
- Start Date or End Date – use to define effective date for a given rate
Additional Rate Details
You may also include:
- Hourly Fringe Rate – if a specific fringe rate should override general rules
- OT Rate – optional override of default overtime multiplier
- DT Rate – optional double time rate override
- Overtime Ratio – optional setting for rates where the overtime ratio is not 1.5
Reporting Labels
These fields are used for Certified Payroll and union reports:
- CP Label – label used on WH-347 line item
- Union Label – label used in union reports
Notes
Use the Notes column to record internal details
Tips for Success
- Use one row per unique combination of position, job, union, and shift
- If you have multiple valid rules for a worker, TradeSeal selects the highest of the most specific match
- Multiple values can be comma-separated (e.g.,
A1,A2orIBEW 123,IBEW 456)