Dillingham Construction N.A., Inc. v. County of Sonoma

BRUNETTI, Circuit Judge:

The issue presented in this case is whether ERISA preempts the application of a state prevailing wage law that requires payment of prevailing wages to employees in apprenticeship programs that have not received state approval but allows the payment of lower apprenticeship wages to employees participating in state approved programs. We hold that it does.

I. CALIFORNIA APPRENTICESHIP REGULATIONS

As described by the district court, California’s administrative framework for regulating apprenticeships is complex. Rules and regulations establishing minimum standards of wages,…