Which California agency enforces prevailing wage on public works projects?

• A. California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) through the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE)
• B. California Environmental Protection Agency
• C. California Department of Transportation
• D. California Department of Real Estate

Answer: (A)

Prevailing wage on public works is a labor standards issue. The California Department of Industrial Relations, through the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, is responsible for setting and enforcing those wages. They handle wage-rate determinations, monitor compliance, process wage complaints, audit payroll records, and enforce penalties for violations on public works projects. The Environmental Protection Agency deals with environmental issues, the Department of Transportation handles transportation-related programs, and the Department of Real Estate regulates real estate activities; none of these enforce prevailing wage across public works like the DIR does.