Prevailing wage laws set wages and benefits rates based on market conditions, which are frequently higher than across-the-board minimum standards. Importantly, prevailing wage laws also establish a floor for government-funded work so that public contracting does not depress standards.
How does overtime work with prevailing wage?
California prevailing wage law requires that workers be paid overtime rates on weekends, regardless of the total hours worked for the week. Often the DIR specifies that Saturdays are 1.5 times regular pay (time and a half) and Sunday hours are double time regardless of other time worked during the week.
What does prevailing wage mean in Public Works?
The prevailing wage rate is the basic hourly rate paid on public works projects to a majority of workers engaged in a particular craft, classification or type of work within the locality and in the nearest labor market area (if a majority of such workers are paid at a single rate).
Can a contractor pay less than the prevailing wage?
Yes. For public construction projects lasting more than one year, contractors must obtain updated wage rate schedules from the awarding authority and must pay no less than those rates to covered workers.
Where do I Find my prevailing wage schedule?
For public construction projects, a copy of the wage rate schedule must be posted in a visible location at any public construction work site. For non-construction jobs that are subject to prevailing wage, you should ask your employer for a copy of the wage rate schedule or you can contact the DLS for a copy.
How are prevailing wage rates determined in California?
All bidders are required to use the same wage rates when bidding on a public works project. California law requires that not less than the general prevailing rate of per diem wages be paid to all workers employed on a public works project.
