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CA Prevailing Wage

California state law requires contractors on public-works projects to pay prevailing wages and benefits to all workers employed on a public works project when the public works project is over $1,000, as set by the California Department of Industrial Relations.

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Contractors can be sure they comply with the law by completing the following steps:

  1. Registering as a public works contractor with the California Department of Industrial Relations before bidding on public works projects. 

  2. Submitting and maintaining certified payroll records for all workers through the DIR eCPR system; unless your project falls under the following exemptions.

  3. Checking bid and contract documents to make sure the correct prevailing wage rates are being paid for each craft or trade working on the project.

  4. Properly paying overtime to employees for work done in excess of eight hours per day or 40 hours per week.

  5. Providing the DAS 140 form to all applicable Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees. Contract award information must be sent within 10 days of the signing of a contract/subcontract, or by the first day of work, whichever occurs first. Contractors who submit the DAS 140 outside this timeframe are considered out of compliance and may be subject to penalties.

  6. Following the proper apprenticeship ratio (exemptions can also be found through the link).

  7. Providing the DAS 142 form for dispatch of an apprentice at least 72 hours in advance; excluding weekends and holidays. 

  8. Following all apprenticeship requirements in accordance with the DIR.  

  9. Responding promptly to requests for certified payroll records.

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Violations of California's Prevailing Wage Law Can be COSTLY!

  • Fines of up to $200 per day, per worker paid less than the applicable prevailing wage rate.

  • Liability for back wages.

  • Debarment from bidding on future public works contracts for up to 3 years.

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