A staffing company is not itself a “laborer” under Civ. Code 9100 and so is not entitled to claim a mechanic’s lien or payment under a payment bond on a public project. The statutory definition of those entitled to claim changed after Contractors Labor Pool, Inc. v. Westway Contractors, Inc. (1997) 53 Cal.App.4th 152 was decided and the statute no longer allows recovery by a laborer’s employer. Despite its contrary wording, Civ. Code 9564 provides for recovery of attorney fees in suits on payment bonds given in connection with construction contracts with state agencies.