Are You Being Paid Fairly? Understanding California’s Prevailing Wage Laws
If you work in construction in California on public works projects, it’s important to know about prevailing wage laws. These laws are designed to make sure workers like you are paid a fair wage for the work you provide. But what exactly is “prevailing wage,” and are you being paid fairly under this law?
What is Prevailing Wage?
In California, prevailing wage is the minimum hourly rate, including benefits and overtime, that must be paid to workers on public works construction projects. This wage is determined by the type of work you perform and the county in which the project is located. The idea is to ensure that public projects don’t save money by paying workers less than the standard market rate.
Public works projects include anything built or improved by the government or public agency, such as schools, roads, bridges, and hospitals. If your work is part of a government-funded project, chances are you should be getting paid the prevailing wage.
Who is Covered?
California’s prevailing wage laws apply to all construction workers on public works projects. This includes:
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Equipment operators
- Laborers
Even apprentices and trainees must be paid properly according to specific rules under the law.
How to Check If You’re Being Paid Fairly
To determine if you’re being paid fairly, ask yourself these questions:
- Am I working on a public works project funded by state or local government?
- Does my check include the correct prevailing wage rate for my classification and location?
- Am I receiving proper overtime and benefits required by law?
- Do my paycheck stubs clearly list hours worked, rate of pay, and job classification?
If you’re unsure, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) provides a website where you can look up the correct wage rates for your job and location. But sometimes, it’s hard to figure out if everything is being calculated correctly, especially if your employer isn’t being transparent.
What To Do If You’re Not Being Paid Correctly
If you find that your pay doesn’t match what the law requires, you have the right to file a claim. However, navigating the legal process can be complicated. Employers may try to hide violations or intimidate staff from speaking up. This is where getting legal support becomes important.
If you’re concerned about whether you’re being paid fairly under California’s prevailing wage laws, don’t wait. Talking to a lawyer who understands construction law and workers’ rights can make all the difference.
For help, call Jonny Law at 800-566-4868. He can help you understand your rights, review your situation, and guide you through what steps to take next. Don’t lose out on wages you’ve already earned—protect yourself and get the pay you deserve.