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If you work in construction or public works projects in Long Beach, you may have heard the term “prevailing wage” and wondered how it applies to your job. A Long Beach prevailing wage lawyer can help you understand your rights under California law and ensure you are being paid fairly for your work.
Prevailing wage laws are designed to protect employees working on government-funded projects and ensure they receive fair wages that reflect the local industry standard.
If you believe your employer has failed to pay a proper wage, the office of Nosratilaw can help you take legal action to recover the compensation you deserve.
California’s prevailing wage laws apply to workers on public works projects that are funded by government contracts. These projects can include building roads, schools, public buildings, and other infrastructure. The prevailing wage is the minimum hourly rate that contractors and subcontractors must pay to workers assigned to these projects.
It is determined based on local rates for similar jobs in a particular area and is often higher than the state or federal minimum wage.
Prevailing wage laws also include provisions for benefits such as health insurance, pensions, and vacation pay, which must be factored into the total compensation package. Failure to comply with prevailing wage laws can result in penalties for the employer, and workers may file a claim to recover any unpaid wages.
The Davis Bacon Act is often applied in conjunction with state prevailing wage laws in California. However, while the Davis Bacon Act sets a floor for wages on federal projects, California’s prevailing wage laws may set even higher wage requirements for state or locally-funded projects.
This elevated floor is driven by the higher cost of living in California, particularly in cities. What a living wage in Northern California is, is not a living wage in Long Beach.
If you are working on a public project in California, it is important to understand which laws apply to your situation and ensure that you are being paid the correct rate. Our prevailing wage lawyers can help guide you through the complexities of both state and federal wage laws.
Navigating prevailing wage claims can be complex, as they often involve multiple layers of regulations, including federal, state, and local laws. Our prevailing wage lawyers can help you understand how these laws apply to your specific situation, assist in determining whether you are being paid the correct wages, and represent you in any disputes.
We can help you gather evidence, including pay stubs, contracts, and records of hours worked, to build a strong case against your employer. Whether you are a plumber, carpenter, electrician, or laborer, you have the right to receive the correct prevailing wage for your work on public projects.
Some of the most common issues that arise in prevailing wage cases include:
If you have experienced any of these issues, Nosratilaw can help you pursue legal action to recover the wages you are owed.
California’s prevailing wage law requires contractors and subcontractors working on public works projects to pay workers the prevailing wage rate for their specific job classification. The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) determines the prevailing wage and ensures that workers receive fair compensation/are not undercut by lower wages. The law covers various industries, including construction, electrical, plumbing, and other skilled trades.
The prevailing wage rate for plumbers in California varies by region and experience level. However, in many areas, plumbers working on public projects can expect to earn between $35 and $52 per hour, which does not include additional compensation for benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. The exact rate depends on the local market conditions and the specific job classification, which may include different rates for journeyman plumbers, apprentices, and other levels of experience.
The Davis Bacon Act is a federal law that requires contractors and subcontractors working on federally funded public works projects to pay their workers no less than the local prevailing wage for their job classification. This law applies to all federal projects worth over $2,000 and is designed to prevent contractors from winning government bids by offering lower wages than what is typical in the area.
Prevailing wage rates vary based on the job classification and the region in which the work is performed. Generally, skilled trades—electricians, plumbers, and elevator mechanics—tend to have some of the highest prevailing wage rates. Higher rates are typically found in areas with a high cost of living and a strong demand for skilled labor. Large-scale public projects, like highway construction, may also pay higher prevailing wages due to the size and complexity of the work involved.
By understanding your rights and working with an experienced Long Beach employment attorney, you can take the necessary steps to secure fair compensation for your work on public projects.
If you have been a victim of prevailing wage undercuts, you do not have to face this battle alone. The team at Nosratilaw, A Professional Law Corporation, can guide you through the process of holding your employer accountable for their actions and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward achieving justice.