1. Public Works

Public Works

Public Works Contractors – Effective 7/1/17 PWCR registration increases to $400. Learn more here.

Public works in general means:

  • Construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work 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 refer to Labor Code section 1720.

Anyone working on a public works project must be paid prevailing wages as determined by DIR. Projects of $30,000 or more must meet DIR's apprenticeship requirements. Failure to comply with public works requirements can result in civil penalties, criminal prosecution, or both.

Contractors, and others who work on public works projects Awarding Bodies, public agencies or project owners

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Public Works Laws Changed for Contractors

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2017

June 30, 2017 Public Works Small Project Exemption Clarified: Based on the Amount of the Entire Project, Prevailing Wages Must Still be Paid
June 28, 2017 Public Works Contractor Registration Fee Increased, Small Project Exemption Established Effective July 1
June 15, 2017 Public Works Contractors: Registration Renewal Must Be Completed by June 30 to Avoid Penalties
May 8, 2017 Early Renewal Registration Now Open for Public Works Contractors
April 21, 2017 U.S. Ninth Circuit Court Grants DIR Request for Stay on Permanent Injunction Blocking Enforcement of AB 219 Prevailing Wage Requirements for Ready-Mix Concrete Suppliers
March 28, 2017 DIR Appeals U.S. District Court’s Ruling that Blocks Labor Commissioner’s Enforcement of AB 219 Prevailing Wage Requirements for Ready-Mix Concrete Suppliers
January 4, 2017 Prevailing Wage Notice Regarding Minimum Wage Effective January 1, 2017

For more information and to find exact legal definitions and language please see the Public Works Chapter of the California Labor Code.