Laguna Beach Construction Labor & Employment Issues Lawyer

Laguna Beach Construction Labor & Employment Issues Attorney

When labor and employment issues arise at worksites, they can lead to delays, increased tension and stress, or lengthy, expensive litigation. Some of these issues can be avoided with proper agreements and documentation, while others require more extensive mediation. Whatever your needs, a Laguna Beach construction labor & employment issues lawyer can help.

The team at Engels-Janzen understands the challenges these cases present and the importance of addressing them quickly. Less time dealing with disputes can mean more time relaxing on Victoria Beach, enjoying a job well done. When you need firm and understanding legal advice, come to us first.

California Construction Labor Laws

There are many laws that protect the rights of workers, unions, hiring entities, and governments in California construction projects. Remembering each one of these can be a big task, but there are important topics to consider.

First, remember that most workers are protected from harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination at work. When these situations occur, they’re both legally difficult and emotionally fraught, which is when good representation is most helpful.

Construction projects also require getting the right permits and approvals, as well as following any building codes, safety requirements, and contractual specifications. Keeping track of all these documents, as well as any documents related to pay, can help protect you if legal action occurs.

To properly pay workers, they must be classified as employees or independent contractors. A worker may not know which category they fall under, while a hiring entity might also be unsure. Choosing the right classification is important, especially when up to 2.1 million construction workers could be misclassified or paid off the books.

Lastly, the Department of Industrial Relations also maintains classifications for workers based on the type of labor being performed. Depending on the project, these classifications can also affect pay and should be kept in mind.

Working With Project Labor Agreements

With over $2 billion in construction spending in October 2025 alone, it makes sense that anyone working on a construction project would want a robust and secure contract. PLAs are often used for this purpose, although not everyone understands them.

PLA stands for Project Labor Agreement. It is a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement between contractors and building trade unions that establishes specific wages, labor conditions, and dispute resolution procedures for a particular, often large-scale or public, construction project.

A PLA is similar to a union agreement in some ways, but for a specific project. They allow both parties to negotiate and tailor the agreement to fit their needs and the needs of the project. Under California law, these agreements must meet certain conditions to be valid:

• They prohibit discrimination in both hiring and the workplace
• They allow for fair bidding from interested workers and contractors
• There is an agreed-upon protocol for drug testing
• They include a guarantee against a work stoppage, strike, or other project delays
• A neutral arbitrator is named for disputes

These agreements often lead to more secure projects and help things run more smoothly. While they provide non-union workers with more benefits, they can also require those workers to temporarily pay union dues or follow union rules. For this reason, some workers much prefer not to rely on PLAs.

While PLAs provide a dispute process, legal advice still might be needed during disputes. A Laguna Beach construction labor & employment issues attorney can also be invaluable in drafting these agreements so they meet all requirements and don’t sacrifice anyone’s interests.

Common Types of Employment Issue Cases

Whether you’re one of the 443 construction employees living right here in Laguna Beach or a worker just here for the job, understanding the common issues that arise can help you be better prepared for them. Harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination claims can all occur during construction projects. These cases are complex, with both state and federal laws governing them. Discrimination can also be difficult to prove and as subjective as wrongful termination.

As mentioned above, misclassification of workers can also create issues, and this happens more often than you may think. Improper pay, whether due to misclassification or otherwise, might also lead to disputes. Again, documentation is key to cases like this.

Disagreements over damages caused by construction defects can create complex legal situations, as one party must be held responsible for those damages. Lastly, injuries on the job and issues with workers’ compensation are salient concerns. This is even more true for construction workers who are exposed to more hazards and risks than the average person.

When to Hire a Construction Labor & Employment Issues Lawyer

Whenever you feel like you could use help with the legal side of construction projects, you should reach out for help. An experienced attorney can advise you on the next steps to take, help you gather proper documentation, and represent you in negotiations.

Many people wait until legal action is raised to hire a lawyer. Getting a lawyer’s help sooner can actually help prevent legal action from being necessary. More robust contracts, awareness of relevant laws and codes, and knowledge of required documentation can all reduce the likelihood of an employment issue requiring legal action.

That being said, sometimes claims still have to be filed. In that case, having a kind and understanding attorney who can advocate for your rights can make all the difference. Whatever stage of a project you’re at, getting a trained legal eye won’t hurt.

Support Your Case With Engels-Janzen

In Laguna Beach and across Orange County, Engels-Janzen can support all your construction labor and employment issue needs. We have on-the-ground experience in construction as well as the laws, cases, and precedents that could be relevant to your case.

From independent contractors to large construction firms, we can represent you and your interests. With an experienced team of legal professionals, we can help you prepare your case, defend against false claims, or protect you during bargaining.

Don’t hesitate to get help for your case. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you. With our help, you can stress less about your employment issues, knowing your case is in good hands.