A contractor is performing a public works project in California. The project requires the use of a specialized piece of equipment, and the contractor employs an operator for this equipment. For certified payroll reporting, how should the contractor classify the time spent by this operator traveling from the contractor's yard to the job site in the equipment, and then back to the yard after work?
- AAs non-working travel time, not subject to prevailing wage.
- BAs compensable work time, but at the employee's regular non-prevailing wage rate.
- CAs travel time, only subject to prevailing wage if it exceeds 30 minutes each way.
- DAs compensable work time, subject to the applicable prevailing wage rate for equipment operators.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. As compensable work time, subject to the applicable prevailing wage rate for equipment operators.
When an employee is transporting equipment or materials that are essential to the public works project, or driving a company vehicle for work purposes to or from the job site, that travel time is considered compensable work time and is subject to prevailing wage. This is because the employee is performing duties integral to the project's execution.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Travel time in company equipment to a public works job site is generally compensable and subject to prevailing wage.
- B. If it's compensable work time on a public works project, it must be paid at prevailing wage rates.
- C. The 30-minute rule does not apply here; the nature of the travel (in project equipment) makes it work time.
Prevailing Wage for Travel Time (Equipment)
Time spent by an employee transporting equipment or materials to or from a public works job site, or driving a company vehicle for work purposes, is considered compensable work time and must be paid at the applicable prevailing wage rate.
- Travel in project-essential equipment is work time.
- Travel in company vehicle for work is work time.
- Must be paid at prevailing wage rates for the applicable craft.
Memory trick: If you drive the gear, it's part of your career!