theCURRENT: Q2 2024

UCON recently received numerous reports of Caltrans officials enforcing two costly policies impacting contractors statewide:  

(1) claims that prevailing wage coverage extends to the on/off-haul of equipment and all delivery of materials, and 
(2) rejection of special shift pay on eligible weekend work. 

In response, UCON drafted and issued letters on behalf of the industry… and other associations for Caltrans to immediately correct their practices in alignment with applicable law. 

In 2018, UCON was instrumental in securing PAGA waivers for construction companies under the law and in our union agreements. However, securing the waiver came at the price… The existing law enabling PAGA waivers contains a sunset clause, meaning collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) entered into after January 1, 2025 would not be eligible for PAGA waivers under the law. UCON is taking the lead for the industry to find a spot bill that would eliminate or extend the sunset.  

A recent California Supreme Court decision has significantly shifted what constitutes "hours worked" and, by extension, compensable time for your employees. This decision impacts how employees are paid on all projects that contain a security gate… to access the designated work site, such as at refineries, airports, military bases, government laboratories, restricted utility areas, etc.  

Is your company facing challenges with prevailing wage compliance, subcontracting, PLAs, dispatching and hiring, apprenticeship, Skilled & Trained Workforce, or union pay rules? 

At no cost, UCON provides training to contractors on these key issues and more. Available in-person or via Zoom, each module runs 30-45 minutes and can be scheduled to fit your team's needs. 

One of the core values of UCON is to develop and empower the next generation of leaders in the construction industry, which is why we are proud to announce updates to our Labor Executive Committee (LEC) co-chair positions. Our LEC makes all UCON’s labor relations strategy and policy decisions across the state and consists of our chief negotiators for each craft.