California's Assembly Bill 1701 would allow construction workers who have not been paid for a job to seek their back wages and benefits, with interest, from the general contractor, even if they did not work directly for that company on the project. The proposal was sent to Governor Jerry Brown on Wednesday.
Construction trade unions favor the measure saying it gives workers a legal remedy when subcontractors skip town or file for bankruptcy before paying employees. However, the building industry cautioned the bill could drive up construction costs and worsen California's housing crisis.
