Defending California Employers in Prevailing Wage Claims

California’s prevailing wage laws create unique and often costly challenges for employers engaged in public works projects. From misclassification of workers to alleged underpayment of wages and benefits, prevailing wage claims can expose companies to steep penalties, back pay awards, and reputational harm.

Skilled Defense Against Prevailing Wage Disputes

CDF Labor Law LLP helps California employers navigate the complex web of prevailing wage statutes and regulations, including the California Labor Code, Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) enforcement, and related federal Davis-Bacon Act requirements.

Our attorneys are experienced in handling disputes that arise from:

• Alleged underpayment of prevailing wages and benefits
• Worker misclassification and scope-of-work disputes
• Penalties for late or inaccurate certified payroll records
• Retaliation and whistleblower complaints tied to prevailing wage enforcement
• Claims brought under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) connected to prevailing wage violations

Strategic Guidance and Litigation Experience

CDF’s prevailing wage team draws on decades of labor and employment litigation experience across California’s industries—construction, energy, transportation, technology, and beyond. We regularly represent general contractors, subcontractors, and public works employers in disputes before the DIR, in state and federal courts, and in administrative hearings.

Our approach blends proactive compliance guidance with vigorous defense strategies. We help employers:

• Audit certified payroll practices and documentation
• Review and structure subcontractor agreements to minimize exposure
• Advise on worker classification and scope-of-work assignments
• Respond to DIR investigations and notices to withhold
• Defend against civil lawsuits and administrative enforcement actions

Protecting Your Business Beyond the Case at Hand

Prevailing wage disputes are rarely isolated incidents—they can invite additional claims, create ripple effects across ongoing projects, and jeopardize valuable public contracts. That’s why our attorneys consider the broader business implications of every claim and craft strategies that protect both immediate and long-term interests.

Where practical, we aim for efficient resolution through settlement or administrative negotiation. When necessary, we mount aggressive defenses in court and before government agencies, leveraging our statewide presence and litigation record.

California’s Prevailing Wage Landscape

California remains one of the most aggressive states in prevailing wage enforcement, with the DIR actively auditing projects and issuing penalties. Employers need counsel attuned to the shifting landscape of statutes, case law, and agency priorities.

CDF’s reputation as “Counsel to California Employers™” ensures that our clients receive informed, practical, and results-driven representation—keeping projects moving forward while minimizing legal risk.