News

The following statement was released from Caltrans following the SR-74 Work Zone Shooting Incident

Industry Partners,

A recent fatal shooting occurred within a Caltrans construction work zone on State Route 74 in Riverside County. Preliminary information indicates that a dispute between a contractor employee and a member of the public escalated into a confrontation involving firearms. 

There are renewed calls at both the state and federal level to suspend the gas tax, with proposals being framed as short-term relief at the pump for consumers. While that message may resonate on the surface, the impact on our industry would be significant.

UCON has consistently fought efforts to suspend or repeal the gas tax. These proposals directly undermine the dedicated funding that supports critical infrastructure investments. A gas tax holiday puts projects at risk, delays critical improvements, and weakens the infrastructure we all rely on.

Help us spread the word. Download logos, graphics, and ready-to-use content to share the 2026 Public Works Summit with your network.

Full Media Kit Includes:

Submit your application for UCON's 2025 R.E.A.L. Safety Awards Program. All UCON contractor members in good standing are eligible to apply for any of the award categories. OSHA documents are from California (Cal/OSHA).

• Man-Hours Categories
• Most Improved Safety Rating
• Most Unique Safety Project
• Safety Hero of the Year
• No previous winning project can be entered for the same award.

Deadline to Apply: April 24, 2026

UCON is building the future of advocacy for California’s union contractors, and announces two leadership additions that strengthen our ability to serve our members and move the industry forward. 
 
Welcome Anna M. Carno and Jennifer Galenti, to key leadership roles that expand our capacity to serve, support, and advocate for union-signatory contractors across California. 
 

Effective advocacy requires more than simply asking for change. It takes clear communication, credible data, and a strong understanding of how the industry actually works. United Contractors recently demonstrated all three through its engagement with the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) during its rate proposal process.

Thanks to the data submitted by contractors signatory to the Laborers (N.

Is Valley Fever a concern in California? Yes! Valley Fever (also called coccidioidomycosis) is a disease caused by a fungus that grows in the soil in endemic areas throughout California. When soil containing the fungus is disturbed by digging, vehicles, or by the wind, the fungal spores disperse into the air. When people breathe in the dust that contains these spores, they may get Valley Fever.

The 2025-2028 OE12 (S. CA) Master Agreement has been ratified by all bargaining parties. The Summary of Modifications highlights the bargained changes, including the economics. The 2025 rate sheet is available on UCON's Union Agreements & Rates page.

In a well-reasoned and compelling decision, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky granted a limited preliminary injunction against USDOT’s DBE program in the case Mid-America Milling Co., LLC v. U.S. Department of Transportation, et al. The court found that the race and gender-based rebuttable presumptions used in the DBE program violate the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment. 

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.

Recognizing Excellence, Awareness & Leadership in Safety

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

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. 

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: 

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..

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.