On May 6, 2026, the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations signed a Decision that determined less than 2% of the assessed unpaid prevailing wages was owed by SMTD’s client and the penalty rate was reduced to the statutory minimum. At hearing on the merits, attorney Jeff Hook cross-examined the Labor Compliance Officer and three former workers that testified on behalf of the Enforcing Agency. This is the second successful defense of SMTD’s contractor client against a Notice of Withholding of Contract Payments issued by the City of Los Angeles, Office of Contract Compliance.
