CALPASC Responds To California Commissioner's Training For Investigators On Public Works Projects

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Department of Industrial Relations released a press release on April 22 detailing the order requiring Icon Metal Works Inc., a Fontana-based company that willfully violated public works laws, to pay $129,562 in wages, $47,575 in prevailing wage fines and $28,700 in apprenticeship fines for work performed at California State University, Los Angeles.

California Labor Commissioner Julie Su emphasized that the public works investigators are "trained to investigate all aspects of state prevailing wage and apprenticeship law, which will protect workers and law-abiding contractors and ensure apprentices are properly trained and used on public works projects."

In response to the release, Brad Diede, Executive Director, California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors (CALPASC), issued the following comments:

"CALPASC and a coalition of construction associations, both signatory and non-signatory, have advocated strongly for state agencies to streamline their operations and better focus to more efficiently catch construction contractors who skirt the law.

"The Department's focus on training investigators continues to pay off in apprehending unscrupulous contractors and leveling the playing field.

"At the same time, the violation in this case appropriately highlights the fact that awarding authorities and general contractors should take heed and hire legitimate contractors or they also may be found liable.

"Legitimate contractors need and deserve the work and, as the economy improves, they deserve the chance to compete fairly rather than being disadvantaged by having to compete with contractors who intentionally attempt to sidestep laws, rules and regulations.

"We appreciate the efforts of the Department.  As law-abiding contractors, CALPASC members rely on state and local agencies to sharpen their focus and trainings designed to stop dishonest general contractors and subcontractors from breaking the law."

CONTACT:   
Brad Diede
Executive Director, CALPASC
(916) 973-2925

SOURCE California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors (CALPASC)