September 30 marked the official end of the 2022 Legislative Year. Throughout the year, UCON's Advocacy Team -- guided by our Legislative Committee and Board of Directors -- tracked hundreds of bills and worked to actively oppose or support dozens of bills that impact California's union-signatory contractors.
The 2023 schedules of recognized union holidays are now available - you can download them by clicking on the links below and also from the UCON Contractor Resources Library. The 2022 schedules are also still available.
Meet Clay O'Neal, UCON's Regional VP - Southern California, and learn more about our bargaining and advocacy efforts, educational programs, and networking events. Read more...
United Contractors is fighting to secure tax relief for union signatory contractors (SB 114)
It is unreasonable and unfair to ask our employers, who already pay premium wages, to shoulder the costs of paid leave; especially as the state sits on a historic budget surplus.
Read recent media articles below.
Women in Construction Special Edition
I’m writing this article as one of my first acts since being elected as the new President of UCON. First, let me say to all that I am deeply honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead this great organization.
On February 9, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 114 into law, which requires businesses with 26 or more employees to provide workers with up to 80 hours of COVID paid leave.
It is retroactive to January 1, 2022, and will stay in effect through September.
Existing California law already requires employers to provide paid leave to employees who get COVID on the job site or are required to quarantine due to COVID exposure at work.
February 10, 2022
This week, the state of California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued new Health Guidance for face coverings effective February 16.
Citing declining Omicron hospitalizations, the CDPH relaxed the requirement for masking in most settings.
COVID-19 Compliance Update
February 9, 2022
Effective February 19, 2022, California employers will need to provide Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) to employees for COVID-related reasons, including vaccinations. While this new law (SB 114) is very similar to last year's COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Law (SB 95), there are also notable differences to be aware of.
Summary of Key Components:
Joe Sostaric is a corporate Vice President for The Conco Companies and Reliable Trucking, overseeing the company’s trucking and pumping operations. Before working for Conco, he spent more than 20 years in the ready-mix concrete industry with his final position as Vice Preside t and General Manager for CEMEX’s Northern California ready-mix division. Joe served United Contractors as Vice President and was elected President for 2022.
Last year, UCON proposed and the Board approved an aggressive strategy including investments in growth, expansion of services and territory, and a redoubling of our commitment to our members and the industry. The Board then gave me my 2021 leadership pep talk. They outlined their expectations. What they would and would not tolerate. What my performance and that of my team should look like. What was at stake. And what opportunities we might realize. And they did it all in just Four Words: Don’t. F@#k. It. Up.
New Laws to Watch Out for in 2022
The following are some key new employment-related laws that impact California construction employers. These laws became effective January 1, 2022, unless stated otherwise.
Extension of Construction Trucking Safe Harbor Provisions [AB 1561]
As 2021 is winding down, I’ve had the chance to reflect on this crazy, tumultuous, reflective, and hopeful year. A year of unending pandemic, social unrest, and the opportunity for personal and practical learning.
Nov 6, 2021
Late last night, The U.S. House of Representatives finally passed a once-in-a-generation infrastructure bill. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), if signed into law, includes $29.9 billion in highway funds and $10.3 billion in funds for California transit over the next five years. Read more...
Right before COVID kicked in, my father passed away. My role model, mentor, and example of how to be. And with his passing, I received the most powerful lesson on gratitude in my life.
He had been very sick for several years. To the point that we as a family had to choose to have him go to a nursing facility or stay at home with 24-hour care. We chose the latter.
The 2025 California Legislative Session concluded on October 13, the final day for Governor Gavin Newsom to sign or veto legislation.