LETF Public Works Enforcement
The Department of Industrial Relations’ (DIR’s) Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF) is leading a new initiative to inspect publicly funded construction sites to ensure employers provide workers’ compensation insurance and follow labor laws, including applicable prevailing wage laws, skilled and trained workforce requirements, workplace health and safety requirements, and apprenticeship standards. The enforcement effort includes teams from DIR’s Divisions of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), and Labor Standards Enforcement (Labor Commissioner’s Office) in collaboration with other enforcement partners.
All workers employed on qualifying public works projects must be paid the prevailing wage determined by the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), according to the type of work performed and location of the project. Failure to comply with public works requirements can result in citations for recovered wages, civil penalties, criminal prosecution or both.
Those with complaints or leads on labor law violations at publicly-funded construction projects are invited to complete one of the following complaint forms:
- Worker Complaint form for workers on public works projects.
- Public Complaint form for others wishing to report a public works complaint.
The Labor Enforcement Task Force, under the direction of the Department of Industrial Relations, is a coalition of California State government enforcement agencies, including Cal/OSHA, Labor Commissioner’s Office, and Contractors State License Board, that work together and in partnership with local agencies to combat the underground economy. In this joint effort, information and resources are shared to ensure workers are paid properly and have safe work conditions and honest, law-abiding businesses have the opportunity for healthy competition. More information on how to file a complaint is posted online. For questions please contact LETF via email at letf@dir.ca.gov, or by calling (855) 297-5322.
The Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (California Labor Commissioner’s Office) combats wage theft and unfair competition by investigating allegations of illegal and unfair business practices. Employees with questions about their rights may call the Labor Commissioner’s Office at 833-LCO-INFO (833-526-4636).
Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424. Workers can call 833-579-0927 to connect with a live Cal/OSHA representative between the hours of 9 am and 7 pm to ask questions related to health and safety in the workplace. Bilingual representatives are available to provide information on topics like COVID-19, heat illness prevention, and wildfire smoke. Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.
January 2024