theCURRENT: Q2 2025

This brief provides key labor relations updates across the state. It's designed to quickly educate you, the contractor, on what's happened, what's current, and what's up ahead. It's about giving contractors perspective on market trends, rising issues, growth opportunities, and how UCON leads and changes the industry to benefit your bottom line.

Industry Spotlight: 2025-2026 Negotiations Cycle

What You Need to Know

UCON recently completed negotiations with the S. CA Teamsters and OE12 on the terms that will govern the industry for the next three years. This cycle has been unlike any other cycle before and represents a new era of collective bargaining.

Built On Our Foundation, A New Chapter Begins

By Emily Cohen, Incoming CEO, UCON

When it comes to solving the industry’s biggest challenges, I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve been told, “You’ll never be able to get that done.” The naysayers can stay on the sidelines. I know firsthand the power of this industry—and this membership—when we come together. There’s nothing we can’t do. That sense of boldness, urgency, and shared purpose inspires me to lead UCON into this next chapter—alongside our incredible team and each of you.

Handling Increased Immigration Enforcement

Available Resources

Visible immigration enforcement by the federal government has been on the rise, and we know that contractors are concerned about workplace raids by Immigration Compliance & Enforcement (ICE).

We want to make sure that our members know about available resources to help prepare for and manage these potential enforcement actions in a rapidly shifting environment. Some key points to keep in mind:

Governor Newsom Signs SB 61 Into Law

Critical Reform to Improve Contractor Cash Flow

We are proud to announce that Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 61 (Cortese) into law, UCON-sponsored legislation that establishes a 5% cap on retention for private construction projects in California.

Effective January 1, 2026, the new law will apply to contracts for private works of improvement entered into on or after that date.

Fighting for Faster Agency Progress Payments

UCON is Taking Action

UCON is taking action to fix a broken system—and we need your help.

Across California, too many public agencies are withholding 100% of progress payments over minor paperwork issues. It's unfair, unnecessary, and harmful to your business. We're pushing back.

UCON Service Spotlight

Take Advantage of UCON's Labor Essential Training Program