News

In early November, thirty (30) contractors and staff from UCON, AGC, AGCSD, and other associations will attend our second annual multi-association negotiations training. The purpose of the training is to gather experienced and next-gen negotiators to (1) practice their skills in live simulations, (2) develop a common negotiations template, and (3) create the architecture for future coordinated bargaining as we ramp up into the 2025-2026 bargaining season.

In 2018, UCON was instrumental in securing PAGA waivers for construction companies. In 2024, we helped do it again. In early 2024, UCON took the lead to help advance legislation extending the PAGA waiver sunset from 2025 to 2038. Just last week, the Governor signed the bill, AB 1034, securing contractors legal protections against often predatory lawsuits for more than a decade.  

The DIR’s failed rollout of a new website and eCPR submission system has left hundreds of contractors unable to submit CPRs, upload relevant data, and meet legal and contractual compliance requirements associated with work on public projects.

The impact of this issue is widespread, including, in the worst cases, certain agencies and entities withholding progress payments to contractors for failure to submit eCPRs, even though the DIR’s system dysfunction is often to blame.

40 years ago, I walked into a little office in Dublin, California, to interview for a job. 105 people applied. All wanting to be the association’s Field Rep. A fancy name for an entry-level position. The 6 contractors interviewing me wore jeans, boots, and Rolexes. They also had no bullshit looks on their faces. I wore a burgundy Pierre Cardin 3-piece suit. I drove a 1981 yellow Toyota. I wanted it bad. At the end, I didn’t care about the pay, terms, or benefits. I knew right then I wanted to work for those guys—no matter what. And those people turned out to be all of you.

Learn about recent discussions with DIR on system challenges, and next steps for support.

Yesterday, several union contractor associations met with senior management at DIR concerning well-documented problems with the new eCPR system.  Since the system was adopted, there have been countless glitches and licensees have had difficulty submitting eCPR. 

DIR noted the following:

Download UCON's Voter Guide

This guide was developed in collaboration with our partners at CA Alliance for Jobs and Rebuild CA. All positions have been reviewed and approved by the UCON Board of Directors. This is not a comprehensive summary of infrastructure ballot measures across the state. There may be additional local infrastructure investment measures for your consideration that UCON has not reviewed or endorsed.

Over the weekend, Governor Newsom signed AB 1034 into law. Co-sponsored by UCON, AB 1034 provides vital protections for our union contractors by allowing them to secure an exemption from PAGA lawsuits through their CBAs. AB 1034 was UCON’s top priority bill and will save our contractors millions of dollars in frivolous lawsuits, while strengthening the business environment for union contractors.

Thank you to every member who took action, and to our union partners for their joint advocacy on this important issue.

BACKGROUND:

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 Associate Members and 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.

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:

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

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.

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.

United Contractors Scholarship Committee is proud to announce the 2023 UCON Scholarship Awards Program winners. A record of $60,000 total will be distributed to the following sixteen students, who are being recognized not only for their academic achievements but also for their contributions to the communities they plan to serve.

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

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:

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.