The DIR’s online portal for contractors to register with the DIR and submit electronic certified payroll records (“eCPR’s”) has had severely limited functionality since the launch of the new DIR eCPR system on June 24, 2024, making it impossible for contractors to either submit certified payroll online or to register or renew registration with the DIR. As members are aware, the only way to submit eCPR’s to the Labor Commissioner is through DIR Public Works Website Services. The DIR recognizes this problem and has posted the following notice on its webpage (Shown in image):

TAKE ACTION—Contact Governor Newsom TODAY and urge him to sign AB 1034! 

AB 1034 (Asm. Grayson & Sen Cortese), co-sponsored by UCON, extends the original law passed in 2016 that allows union-signatory contractors to bargain for a PAGA exemption through CBAs. Without the passage of AB 1034, the exemption will expire. 

On July 1, the business community scored an important win when Governor Newsom signed an essential PAGA reform package into law. While the reforms will greatly minimize the shakedown lawsuits that hurt employers, UCON’s top priority remains an extension of the 2016 bill that allows union-signatory contractors to bargain an exemption from PAGA through the CBA agreements. The safe harbor from PAGA has been a vital benefit for union-signatory contractors and our union partners.  

The updated UCON Safety Handbook is here! This valuable industry-tailored resource is available to all UCON contractor members at no cost. It is available to non-members for $750.

Access the Safety Handbook here

The comprehensive Safety Handbook includes Microsoft Word templates for each safety section that are easy to customize and save. 

United Contractors (UCON) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 UCON Scholarship Awards Program. This year, thirteen exceptional students have been selected to receive a combined total of $48,000 to further their educational and career aspirations. These awards honor their outstanding academic performance and dedication to positively impacting the communities they aim to serve.

The Cal/OSHA Standards Board approved an indoor heat illness regulation. The new regulation requires indoor workplaces to be cooled below 87 degrees Fahrenheit if feasible when employees are present, and below 82 degrees if feasible in places where workers wear protective clothing that restricts heat removal or work in high radiant heat areas.  

Recognizing Excellence, Awareness & Leadership in Safety

This prestigious program Recognizes Excellence, Awareness, and Leadership in safety within the construction industry.

The US Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings and heat advisories for regions throughout California. Temperatures will be +/-100F degrees. To protect yourself and your employees, make sure you have your Heat Illness Prevention Plan in place. Heat illness can result if precautions are not taken.

Exciting news! United Contractors Scholarship Awards Program is now open! Don't miss your chance to turn your dreams into reality - up to $60,000 in awards will be distributed this year!

If you're a UCON member affiliate (employee, spouse, registered domestic partner, or dependent), you are eligible to apply under any major or school. We are also accepting applications from California college students (with no relation to UCON) who major in construction management or civil engineering.

United Contractors is proud to announce the 2023 Fall Scholarship Awards Program recipients. The following students are being recognized by the Les Weed Memorial Scholarship fund, which recognizes individuals making a difference within our organization and industry:

Thank you to all of our members who responded to our annual membership survey. Your input helps us to continue exceeding your expectations and delivering the highest level of service in the industry.

We are thrilled to report our best results to date. Click images below to see how we did.

2023 CONTRACTOR MEMBER SATISFACTION SURVEY:

Your Voice Needed

Tell CA Governor & Legislature to Provide a Dollar-for-Dollar Tax Credit to CA Union-Signatory Contractors

Welcome to the eagerly awaited unveiling of the 2023 UCON Scorecard, your comprehensive legislative guide to our organization's achievements and progress over the past year.

UCON is helping members navigate the latest COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave requirements and options. Find all the resources here.

Three California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations have upcoming requirements.

The Clean Truck Check, a new program, which applies to all non-gasoline vehicles with GVWR greater than 14,000 lbs. Requirements begin October 2023.

The Legislature returned from its four-week summer break on Monday, August 14 to begin their final month of the 2023 session. By-and-large policy committee deadlines have passed and for virtually all bills that remain alive, they are either awaiting consideration on the floor in the second house or – for measures with fiscal impacts – are awaiting hearing in the Appropriations Committee.

New Laws to Watch Out for in 2022

UCON's Scholarship Program will be offering a fall season of awards this year. Up to $12,000 will be distrbuted. Applications will be accepted from Friday, September 15th - Thursday, October 19th. To be added to our mailing list, contact Denise Ramirez. 

UCON Up Front: February 2022, by Joe Sostaric, the Conco Companies, UCON President

I’m writing this article as one of my first acts since being elected as the new President of UCON. First, let me say to all that I am deeply honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead this great organization.

COVID-19 Compliance Update

Opportunities & Updates for UCON’s Southern California Contractors

Meet Clay O'Neal, UCON's Regional VP - Southern California, and learn more about our bargaining and advocacy efforts, educational programs, and networking events. Read more...

UCON Upfront: October 2021, by Kurt Kniffin, Stacy and Witbeck Inc., UCON 2021 President

The UCON PAC is the one vehicle available to support candidates that support our industry.

On February 9, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 114 into law, which requires businesses with 26 or more employees to provide workers with up to 80 hours of COVID paid leave.

Tell Cal/OSHA that you strongly OPPOSE their drastic proposed Lead standards revisions, which would present significant costs to contractors and invasive medical and privacy requirements for workers. Click here to send a pre-formulated letter to the Cal/OSHA Board. Fact Sheet

LEADERSHIP PROFILE: Welcome UCON's 2022 President, Joe Sostaric of The Conco Companies

The Trucking News You Need. Hot Topics content contributed to United Contractors by Associate Committee members.

After significant advocacy from United Contractors, Governor Newsom has signed (AB 152) a budget trailer bill which implements the COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program.  

The 2023 schedules of recognized union holidays are now available - you can download them by clicking on the links below and also from the UCON Contractor Resources Library. The 2022 schedules are also still available.

United Contractors welcomes Mike Buckantz and Drew Delaney of Associates Environmental to our Regulatory consultants' team. They are available to help contractor members with questions related to CARB, fleet compliance, or stormwater regulatory issues. 

September 30 marked the official end of the 2022 Legislative Year. Throughout the year, UCON's Advocacy Team -- guided by our Legislative Committee and Board of Directors -- tracked hundreds of bills and worked to actively oppose or support dozens of bills that impact California's union-signatory contractors.  

As we roll into 2023, we continue to receive questions on what, if any, impact AB 1851 has on the industry and day-to-day operations. The detailed explanation below serves as a primer of what happened and what, if anything, your company needs to do. 

The Governor's January budget was released on January 10, and is just the beginning of a month-long budget process. The following from Kiana Valentine of Transportation California and Politico Group is an analysis of the Governor’s January Budget for 2023-24, and how it relates specifically to transportation and infrastructure related programs and our industry.

We were excited to help kick off Sue Dyer's Bringing Women into Construction series on her Lead With Trust podcast. During the episode, UCON's EVP, Emily Cohen and Sue discuss the reasons why the number of women in construction, percentage-wise, is abysmal. They discuss the workforce and talent shortage currently being experienced by the industry and the conversations and solutions that they hope will arise from this series. 

The permanent COVID-19 prevention regulations approved by the Cal/OSHA Standards Board on December 15, 2022, became effective as of February 3, 2023. This new regulation will remain in effect through February 3, 2025. The recordkeeping requirements will remain in effect until February 3, 2026.

In a win for CA employers, on February 15, 2023, the Ninth Circuit issued its opinion regarding California's Assembly Bill 51, legislation which prevented employers from conditioning employment on an employee's acceptance of an arbitration agreement.  

United Contractors (UCON) and Engineering Contractors Association (ECA) have finalized a merger-acquisition that will result in ECA joining UCON. The merger will enhance the voice of union-signatory heavy-civil construction contractors across the state while expanding services, advocacy, and support for all UCON members. 

Given the recent SVB failure, UCON’s Associate Members from F&M Bank and Heritage Bank of Commerce provided talking points for you and your banker.

Contact your banker – If they have not already reached out to you.

Questions to ask your financial institution:

Please visit UCON's Grassroots Advocacy Center to make your voice heard on these three important issues that directly impact union contractors.

❌ OPPOSE Proposed Lead standards revisions, which would present significant costs to contractors and invasive medical and privacy requirements for workers.

❌ OPPOSE SB 365, which would limit the rights of union contractors who collectively bargain.

Click to make your voice heard!

Amendments to CARB’s Off-road Diesel Regulation

As mentioned in a previous issue, the California Air Resources Board approved amendments to the Off-road Diesel Regulation. The amendments included new requirements which start on January 1, 2024.

In a previous issue, we let you know that the new Construction General Permit will go into effect on September 1, 2023.  Over the next couple of months, we are going to take a more in-depth look at the changes. The revised inspection requirements follow.

On June 26, California’s State Legislature agreed to advance Governor Newsom’s streamlining package that will accelerate delivery of transportation, water, and energy infrastructure projects, unlocking $180 billion in funds over the next decade. 

This year has proven to be one of the hottest ones on record. To protect yourself and your employees, make sure you have your Heat Illness Prevention Plan in place. Heat illness can result if precautions are not taken. 

After much anticipation, The California Small Business and Nonprofit COVID-19 Relief Grant Program (to pay for COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave) is now taking applications. After significant advocacy from United Contractors, the State of California built and funded the program in the Budget Act of 2022 (AB-178) and authorized it through Assembly Bill 152 in September 2022.

The website for the program has been officially launched and is now taking applications. 

APPLY NOW