Congratulations to UCON's 2024 R.E.A.L. Safety Award Winners
Recognizing Excellence, Awareness & Leadership in Safety
This prestigious program Recognizes Excellence, Awareness, and Leadership in Safety within the construction industry.
UCON Board of Directors Names Emily Cohen as Next CEO
A New Chapter Begins
United Contractors (UCON), representing nearly 800 union-signatory construction and associated firms across California, is proud to announce the selection of Emily Cohen as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer. She will officially assume the role on January 1, 2026. The leadership transition begins immediately to ensure a seamless and thoughtful handoff.
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:
UCON Awards $70,000 in Scholarships to 15 Outstanding Students
The United Contractors (UCON) Scholarship Committee is proud to award $70,000 in scholarships this year to 15 exceptional students pursuing higher education and careers in construction and related fields. These awards reflect UCON’s ongoing commitment to education, industry support, and workforce development.
Scholarships are made possible through our annual Throw Down Cornhole tournament, annual sponsorships, and special memorial funds honoring industry leaders..
Most 2025 Rate Sheets are Now Available
UCON has received most union allocations over the past two months. Separate notices were sent to all contractors who are signatory to the applicable union with UCON.
Access the new rates on the Union Agreements & Rates page. Northern CA agreements and rates are listed on top and Southern CA agreements and rates are listed on the bottom.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)
Most Impactful Provisions
At the end of 2025, several key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire. This landmark legislation, enacted in 2017, brought significant changes to the tax code, many of which were designed to be temporary. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most impactful provisions that will sunset:
1. Standard Deduction
UCON Now Accepting 2025 Scholarship Award Applications
United Contractors Scholarship Awards Program is now open and accepting applications. This is a great opportunity to win money towards future educational expenses.
Wildfire Debris Removal
What Contractors Need to Know
In the wake of recent wildfires, many contractors have been asking how they can get involved in debris removal efforts. This bulletin provides key details on the cleanup process, who is spearheading the effort, and how interested contractors can participate.
Key takeaway: Pre-registration is essential to be considered for subcontracting opportunities.
Q: What does the wildfire debris removal process entail?
The wildfire debris removal process in Los Angeles County is structured into two phases:
Safety Alert
Temporary COVID-19 Regulation is Ending, Almost
What you need to know:
Except for recordkeeping requirements, the COVID-19 Prevention Regulations, Title 8, California Code of Regulations (8 CCR) sections 3205, 3205.1, 3205.2, and 3205.3, will be sunset on February 3, 2025. This means that, as of February 3, 2025, there will no longer be a specific set of regulatory requirements relating to COVID-19 prevention in the workplace. Employers must still maintain a safe and healthy workplace as required by their Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and 8 CCR section 3203.
Preparing for Increased Immigration Enforcement
We know that our members are concerned about the Executive Orders coming out of the new administration, especially the possibility of workplace raids by Immigration Compliance & Enforcement (ICE). The current focus is on targeting non-citizens with serious criminal convictions and those who have failed to depart the U.S. after being ordered to do so by an Immigration Judge. However, the scope could widen.
UCON Introduces 2 Critical Bills to Protect Lives and Improve Business Environment
This month, UCON sponsored two critical pieces of legislation: One aims to enhance the safety of our workers, and the second will improve vital cash flow for our members performing work in the private sector.
Resources for Contractors Impacted by Los Angeles Area Fires
As fires continue to affect the Los Angeles area, we want to ensure that you have the necessary resources to protect your teams and operations. We know worker safety remains a top priority, especially when dealing with wildfire smoke and unhealthy air conditions. Below are essential resources to support you during this challenging time:
Legal Bulletin: Corporate Transparency Act
Until further notice, companies do not need to file Beneficial Owner Information (“BOI”) reports.
On December 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction that prohibits the federal government from enforcing the CTA. As a result, until a final decision is made, the CTA may not be enforced, and companies need not comply with the upcoming December 31, 2024 deadline for filing BOI reports.
The Member Survey Results Are In!
2024 Annual Membership Satisfaction Surveys
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 happy to report our results. Click the images below to see how we did.
2024 CONTRACTOR MEMBER SATISFACTION SURVEY:
Changes to Lead Standards on Jan. 1, 2025
The biggest change to the standards is the reduction in the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and Action Level (AL) exposure limits.
Cal/OSHA recently released the following:
- Lead Exposure Prevention Guidance and Resources page, which includes a Lead Need to Know for Employers, and
AB 5 Construction Trucking Changes & Resources from UCON
If you subcontract trucking services, your liabilities and responsibilities are changing on January 1, 2025, when the construction trucking exemption in AB 5 expires.
If you haven’t started already, you need to take steps NOW to review your operations and make necessary changes.
UCON has the following resources available for you now – you can click on the links below (member log-in needed) and also find them in the Contractor Resources Library.
CA SB 253/261 and BOI
Information on CA SB 253/261 and the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)
ESG:
California has passed two new laws requiring businesses to disclose their carbon emissions and climate-related financial risks. The Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (Senate Bill 253) requires large businesses operating in California to publicly report their greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate-Related Financial Risk Act (Senate Bill 261) mandates that companies disclose the threats they face as a result of climate change.
SB 253: Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act:
AB-5 Compliance | Post Construction Trucking Exemption – AGC CA/UCON Webinar
Recorded Webinar Available Now