State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, Afl-Cio, Plaintiff and Appellant, — Werdegar, J…

Summary

Justice Werdegar's dissent argues that the prevailing wage law addresses substantial statewide concerns and therefore may constitutionally apply to charter cities' locally funded public works, notwithstanding the cities' fiscal interest in lower construction costs. She contends the majority improperly treats private contractors' employees like municipal employees, gives excessive weight to local spending autonomy, and relies on outdated precedent. Justice Liu, dissenting, joined Werdegar's dissent and additionally criticized the majority for using a categorical approach, disregarding relevant factual evidence, and failing to resolve doubt in favor of legislative authority.