Certified payroll records on a public works project must be retained by the contractor for at least how long?

Explanation

Labor Code §1776(a) requires each contractor and subcontractor to keep accurate certified payroll records showing name, address, SSN (last 4 digits on released copies), work classification, straight time and overtime hours, and actual per diem wages paid to each worker. These records must be kept on the jobsite and made available for inspection upon request, and retained at least three years after the work is completed. The shorter retention options are insufficient under §1776, and tying retention to the awarding body's release of retention funds confuses payroll records with construction retention under Public Contract Code §7107.