Anyone working on a public works project must be paid prevailing wages as determined by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). Projects of $1,000 or more must meet DIR’s apprenticeship requirements. Failure to comply with public works requirements can result in civil penalties, criminal prosecution, or both. Any contractor responding to and subcontractors listed on a bid must have a valid DIR registration at the time a bid is submitted. Public works in general means:
- Construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work (including maintenance) done under contract and paid in whole or in part out of public funds.
- It can include preconstruction and post-construction activities related to a public works project. For a full definition of public works project refer to Labor Code section 1720.