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Latest News

Hot Topics for the Construction Industry

Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Regulation

  • News
  • March 22, 2023
Hot Topics for Contractors

In January of 2023, CARB instituted a new regulation called the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) Regulation.   This is a new program to test the emissions systems of nearly all diesel and alternative fuel vehicles over 14,000 lbs. GVW operates in California.  This program includes personal vehicles as well.

  • Read more about Hot Topics for the Construction Industry

2023 Scholarship Awards Program

  • News
  • March 20, 2023
  • Denise Ramirez

UCON's Scholarship Program is now open and accepting applications. Up to $55,000 will be awarded! 
All applications are due on Monday, May 8th at 5pm.
 

  • Read more about 2023 Scholarship Awards Program

Hot Topics for the Construction Industry

Banking: What Do We Do Now?

  • News
  • March 15, 2023

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:

  • Read more about Hot Topics for the Construction Industry

United Contractors & ECA Join Forces in Merger

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. 

  • News
  • January 12, 2023

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. 

  • Read more about United Contractors & ECA Join Forces in Merger

Ninth Circuit Rules California Employers Can Condition Employment on Mandatory Arbitration Agreements

  • News
  • January 12, 2023

In a win for CA employers, on February 15, 2023, the Ninth Circuit issued its opinion regarding California's Assembly Bill 51, legislation which prevented employers from conditioning employment on an employee's acceptance of an arbitration agreement.  

  • Read more about Ninth Circuit Rules California Employers Can Condition Employment on Mandatory Arbitration Agreements

Permanent Cal/OSHA Covid-19 Regulations Now in Effect

New Regulation to Remain in Effect Until February 2025

  • News
  • January 12, 2023

The permanent COVID-19 prevention regulations approved by the Cal/OSHA Standards Board on December 15, 2022, became effective as of February 3, 2023. This new regulation will remain in effect through February 3, 2025. The recordkeeping requirements will remain in effect until February 3, 2026.

  • Read more about Permanent Cal/OSHA Covid-19 Regulations Now in Effect

Emily Cohen & Sue Dyer: Bringing Women Into Construction

Podcast: Lead With Trust

  • News
  • January 12, 2023

We were excited to help kick off Sue Dyer's Bringing Women into Construction series on her Lead With Trust podcast. During the episode, UCON's EVP, Emily Cohen and Sue discuss the reasons why the number of women in construction, percentage-wise, is abysmal. They discuss the workforce and talent shortage currently being experienced by the industry and the conversations and solutions that they hope will arise from this series. 

Governor's 2023-24 Budget Released

What It Means For Our Industry

  • News
  • January 12, 2023

The Governor's January budget was released on January 10, and is just the beginning of a month-long budget process. The following from Kiana Valentine of Transportation California and Politico Group is an analysis of the Governor’s January Budget for 2023-24, and how it relates specifically to transportation and infrastructure related programs and our industry.

  • Read more about Governor's 2023-24 Budget Released

AB 1851 & Prevailing Wage Trucking Compliance

What You Need To Know for 2023

  • News
  • January 04, 2023

As we roll into 2023, we continue to receive questions on what, if any, impact AB 1851 has on the industry and day-to-day operations. The detailed explanation below serves as a primer of what happened and what, if anything, your company needs to do. 

  • Read more about AB 1851 & Prevailing Wage Trucking Compliance

The Results Are In!

The 2022 Annual Membership Satisfaction Surveys

  • News
  • October 31, 2022

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.

2022 CONTRACTOR MEMBER SATISFACTION SURVEY:

  • Read more about The Results Are In!

UCON 2022 Ballot Measures Updates

  • News
  • December 21, 2022

Local Infrastructure Ballot Measures: Status Updates 

  • Read more about UCON 2022 Ballot Measures Updates

2022 UCON Legislative Scorecard

Below is a summary of the bills United Contractors advocated on throughout the 2022 Legislative Year, and the results of our efforts.

  • News
  • October 31, 2022

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.  

  • Read more about 2022 UCON Legislative Scorecard

Governor Signs Legislation Making Cannabis Users a Protected Class of Employee

The critical facts about a new law protecting cannabis users and the construction industry exemption

  • News
  • September 29, 2022

Governor Newsom has signed AB 2188, which prohibits employers from discriminating in hiring, firing or setting conditions of employment based upon a person’s use of cannabis away from the workplace; or an employer-required drug screening test that has found the person to have non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites in their hair, blood, urine, or other bodily fluids. However, the law "does not apply to an employee in the building and construction trades.”

  • Read more about Governor Signs Legislation Making Cannabis Users a Protected Class of Employee

Governor Signs AB 152

California Construction Employers Secure Some Wins in COVID-19 Paid Leave Relief Package

  • News
  • September 29, 2022

After significant advocacy from United Contractors, Governor Newsom has signed (AB 152) a budget trailer bill which implements the COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program.  

  • Read more about Governor Signs AB 152

Fix Our Roads Coalition Issues Statement in Response to CARB Vote

  • News
  • August 26, 2022

The Fix Our Roads coalition, of which UCON is a member, has issued a statement in response to the expected vote by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to phase out sales of new gas vehicles by 2035. Last month the coalition sent a letter to Governor Newsom and CARB members outlining their concerns that there is currently no plan to identify a replacement revenue source for tens of billions in gas tax revenues needed to maintain California’s roads. 

  • Read more about Fix Our Roads Coalition Issues Statement in Response to CARB Vote

Southern California Report

  • News
  • August 03, 2022

Opportunities & Updates for UCON’s Southern California Contractors

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...

 

Congratulations to UCON'S 2022 Scholarship Winners

  • News
  • July 29, 2022
  • Denise Ramirez

Thirteen exceptional students have been selected by UCON's Scholarship Committee to receive awards totaling $50,000.

  • Read more about Congratulations to UCON'S 2022 Scholarship Winners

Media Articles

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.

  • Read more about Media Articles

United We Stand

  • News
  • February 22, 2022
  • Joe Sostaric

UCON Up Front: February 2022, by Joe Sostaric, the Conco Companies, UCON President

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.

  • Read more about United We Stand

OP-ED: New CA Law Unfairly Punishes Employers during Pandemic

  • News
  • February 15, 2022

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.

  • Read more about OP-ED: New CA Law Unfairly Punishes Employers during Pandemic

California State and Counties Relax Indoor Mask Requirements

  • News
  • February 10, 2022

February 10, 2022

This week, the state of California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued new Health Guidance for face coverings effective February 16.

  • Read more about California State and Counties Relax Indoor Mask Requirements

New California COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave

  • News
  • February 09, 2022

COVID-19 Compliance Update

  • Read more about New California COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave

R.E.A.L. Safety Awards

  • News
  • February 16, 2023
Two construction workers.

Submit your application for UCON's 2022 R.E.A.L. Safety Awards Program. The deadline for all submissions is March 31, 2023.

  • Read more about R.E.A.L. Safety Awards

Q/A with Joe Sostaric, 2022 UCON Board of Directors President

  • News
  • January 20, 2022
  • Joe Sostaric

LEADERSHIP PROFILE: Welcome UCON's 2022 President, Joe Sostaric of The Conco Companies

  • Read more about Q/A with Joe Sostaric, 2022 UCON Board of Directors President

Leadership in Only Four (Letter) Words

  • News
  • January 20, 2022
  • Mark Breslin

UCON Upfront: January 2022, by Mark Breslin, UCON CEO

 

  • Read more about Leadership in Only Four (Letter) Words

HR Cheat Sheet

  • News
  • January 13, 2022

New Laws to Watch Out for in 2022

  • Read more about HR Cheat Sheet

Life, Death, Gratitude and Wisdom

  • News
  • October 12, 2021
  • Mark Breslin

UCON Upfront: November-December 2021, by Mark Breslin, UCON CEO

 

  • Read more about Life, Death, Gratitude and Wisdom

Reflections on 2021: My Honor to Serve

A Mirror on My Year, and a Hopeful Look Ahead

  • News
  • November 18, 2021
  • Kurt Kniffin

UCON Upfront: November-December 2021, by Kurt Kniffin, Stacy and Witbeck Inc., UCON 2021 President

 

  • Read more about Reflections on 2021: My Honor to Serve

The UCON PAC is Our Power

The UCON PAC is the one vehicle available to support candidates that support our industry.

  • News
  • November 18, 2021
  • Kurt Kniffin
  • Mark Breslin

UCON Upfront: October 2021, by Kurt Kniffin, Stacy and Witbeck Inc., UCON 2021 President

The UCON PAC is the one vehicle available to support candidates that support our industry.

  • Read more about The UCON PAC is Our Power

President Biden Signs $1 Trillion IIJA into Law

  • News
  • November 16, 2021

November 15, 2021

Today, President Biden signed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law.  This historic bill provides $550 billion in new spending over five years for U.S. infrastructure upgrades.  

  • Read more about President Biden Signs $1 Trillion IIJA into Law

$1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Heads to President

  • News
  • November 09, 2021

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...

R.E.A.L. Safety Awards

  • News
  • February 16, 2023
Two construction workers.

Submit your application for UCON's 2022 R.E.A.L. Safety Awards Program. The deadline for all submissions is March 31, 2023.

  • Read more about R.E.A.L. Safety Awards

Hot Topics for the Construction Industry

Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Regulation

  • News
  • March 22, 2023
Hot Topics for Contractors

In January of 2023, CARB instituted a new regulation called the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) Regulation.   This is a new program to test the emissions systems of nearly all diesel and alternative fuel vehicles over 14,000 lbs. GVW operates in California.  This program includes personal vehicles as well.

  • Read more about Hot Topics for the Construction Industry

2023 Scholarship Awards Program

  • News
  • March 20, 2023
  • Denise Ramirez

UCON's Scholarship Program is now open and accepting applications. Up to $55,000 will be awarded! 
All applications are due on Monday, May 8th at 5pm.
 

  • Read more about 2023 Scholarship Awards Program

Hot Topics for the Construction Industry

Banking: What Do We Do Now?

  • News
  • March 15, 2023

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:

  • Read more about Hot Topics for the Construction Industry

United Contractors & ECA Join Forces in Merger

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. 

  • News
  • January 12, 2023

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. 

  • Read more about United Contractors & ECA Join Forces in Merger

Ninth Circuit Rules California Employers Can Condition Employment on Mandatory Arbitration Agreements

  • News
  • January 12, 2023

In a win for CA employers, on February 15, 2023, the Ninth Circuit issued its opinion regarding California's Assembly Bill 51, legislation which prevented employers from conditioning employment on an employee's acceptance of an arbitration agreement.  

  • Read more about Ninth Circuit Rules California Employers Can Condition Employment on Mandatory Arbitration Agreements

Permanent Cal/OSHA Covid-19 Regulations Now in Effect

New Regulation to Remain in Effect Until February 2025

  • News
  • January 12, 2023

The permanent COVID-19 prevention regulations approved by the Cal/OSHA Standards Board on December 15, 2022, became effective as of February 3, 2023. This new regulation will remain in effect through February 3, 2025. The recordkeeping requirements will remain in effect until February 3, 2026.

  • Read more about Permanent Cal/OSHA Covid-19 Regulations Now in Effect

Emily Cohen & Sue Dyer: Bringing Women Into Construction

Podcast: Lead With Trust

  • News
  • January 12, 2023

We were excited to help kick off Sue Dyer's Bringing Women into Construction series on her Lead With Trust podcast. During the episode, UCON's EVP, Emily Cohen and Sue discuss the reasons why the number of women in construction, percentage-wise, is abysmal. They discuss the workforce and talent shortage currently being experienced by the industry and the conversations and solutions that they hope will arise from this series. 

Governor's 2023-24 Budget Released

What It Means For Our Industry

  • News
  • January 12, 2023

The Governor's January budget was released on January 10, and is just the beginning of a month-long budget process. The following from Kiana Valentine of Transportation California and Politico Group is an analysis of the Governor’s January Budget for 2023-24, and how it relates specifically to transportation and infrastructure related programs and our industry.

  • Read more about Governor's 2023-24 Budget Released

AB 1851 & Prevailing Wage Trucking Compliance

What You Need To Know for 2023

  • News
  • January 04, 2023

As we roll into 2023, we continue to receive questions on what, if any, impact AB 1851 has on the industry and day-to-day operations. The detailed explanation below serves as a primer of what happened and what, if anything, your company needs to do. 

  • Read more about AB 1851 & Prevailing Wage Trucking Compliance

The Results Are In!

The 2022 Annual Membership Satisfaction Surveys

  • News
  • October 31, 2022

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.

2022 CONTRACTOR MEMBER SATISFACTION SURVEY:

  • Read more about The Results Are In!

UCON 2022 Ballot Measures Updates

  • News
  • December 21, 2022

Local Infrastructure Ballot Measures: Status Updates 

  • Read more about UCON 2022 Ballot Measures Updates

2022 UCON Legislative Scorecard

Below is a summary of the bills United Contractors advocated on throughout the 2022 Legislative Year, and the results of our efforts.

  • News
  • October 31, 2022

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.  

  • Read more about 2022 UCON Legislative Scorecard

Governor Signs Legislation Making Cannabis Users a Protected Class of Employee

The critical facts about a new law protecting cannabis users and the construction industry exemption

  • News
  • September 29, 2022

Governor Newsom has signed AB 2188, which prohibits employers from discriminating in hiring, firing or setting conditions of employment based upon a person’s use of cannabis away from the workplace; or an employer-required drug screening test that has found the person to have non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites in their hair, blood, urine, or other bodily fluids. However, the law "does not apply to an employee in the building and construction trades.”

  • Read more about Governor Signs Legislation Making Cannabis Users a Protected Class of Employee

Governor Signs AB 152

California Construction Employers Secure Some Wins in COVID-19 Paid Leave Relief Package

  • News
  • September 29, 2022

After significant advocacy from United Contractors, Governor Newsom has signed (AB 152) a budget trailer bill which implements the COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program.  

  • Read more about Governor Signs AB 152

Fix Our Roads Coalition Issues Statement in Response to CARB Vote

  • News
  • August 26, 2022

The Fix Our Roads coalition, of which UCON is a member, has issued a statement in response to the expected vote by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to phase out sales of new gas vehicles by 2035. Last month the coalition sent a letter to Governor Newsom and CARB members outlining their concerns that there is currently no plan to identify a replacement revenue source for tens of billions in gas tax revenues needed to maintain California’s roads. 

  • Read more about Fix Our Roads Coalition Issues Statement in Response to CARB Vote

Southern California Report

  • News
  • August 03, 2022

Opportunities & Updates for UCON’s Southern California Contractors

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...

 

Congratulations to UCON'S 2022 Scholarship Winners

  • News
  • July 29, 2022
  • Denise Ramirez

Thirteen exceptional students have been selected by UCON's Scholarship Committee to receive awards totaling $50,000.

  • Read more about Congratulations to UCON'S 2022 Scholarship Winners

Media Articles

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.

  • Read more about Media Articles

United We Stand

  • News
  • February 22, 2022
  • Joe Sostaric

UCON Up Front: February 2022, by Joe Sostaric, the Conco Companies, UCON President

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.

  • Read more about United We Stand

OP-ED: New CA Law Unfairly Punishes Employers during Pandemic

  • News
  • February 15, 2022

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.

  • Read more about OP-ED: New CA Law Unfairly Punishes Employers during Pandemic

California State and Counties Relax Indoor Mask Requirements

  • News
  • February 10, 2022

February 10, 2022

This week, the state of California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued new Health Guidance for face coverings effective February 16.

  • Read more about California State and Counties Relax Indoor Mask Requirements

New California COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave

  • News
  • February 09, 2022

COVID-19 Compliance Update

  • Read more about New California COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave

Take Action on Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL)

  • News
  • February 03, 2022

Your Voice Needed

Tell CA Governor & Legislature to Provide a Dollar-for-Dollar Tax Credit to CA Union-Signatory Contractors

  • Read more about Take Action on Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL)

Q/A with Joe Sostaric, 2022 UCON Board of Directors President

  • News
  • January 20, 2022
  • Joe Sostaric

LEADERSHIP PROFILE: Welcome UCON's 2022 President, Joe Sostaric of The Conco Companies

  • Read more about Q/A with Joe Sostaric, 2022 UCON Board of Directors President

Leadership in Only Four (Letter) Words

  • News
  • January 20, 2022
  • Mark Breslin

UCON Upfront: January 2022, by Mark Breslin, UCON CEO

 

  • Read more about Leadership in Only Four (Letter) Words

HR Cheat Sheet

  • News
  • January 13, 2022

New Laws to Watch Out for in 2022

  • Read more about HR Cheat Sheet

Life, Death, Gratitude and Wisdom

  • News
  • October 12, 2021
  • Mark Breslin

UCON Upfront: November-December 2021, by Mark Breslin, UCON CEO

 

  • Read more about Life, Death, Gratitude and Wisdom

Reflections on 2021: My Honor to Serve

A Mirror on My Year, and a Hopeful Look Ahead

  • News
  • November 18, 2021
  • Kurt Kniffin

UCON Upfront: November-December 2021, by Kurt Kniffin, Stacy and Witbeck Inc., UCON 2021 President

 

  • Read more about Reflections on 2021: My Honor to Serve

The UCON PAC is Our Power

The UCON PAC is the one vehicle available to support candidates that support our industry.

  • News
  • November 18, 2021
  • Kurt Kniffin
  • Mark Breslin

UCON Upfront: October 2021, by Kurt Kniffin, Stacy and Witbeck Inc., UCON 2021 President

The UCON PAC is the one vehicle available to support candidates that support our industry.

  • Read more about The UCON PAC is Our Power

President Biden Signs $1 Trillion IIJA into Law

  • News
  • November 16, 2021

November 15, 2021

Today, President Biden signed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law.  This historic bill provides $550 billion in new spending over five years for U.S. infrastructure upgrades.  

  • Read more about President Biden Signs $1 Trillion IIJA into Law

$1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Heads to President

  • News
  • November 09, 2021

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...

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