For anyone that I have not had the opportunity to meet yet, my name is Clay O'Neal, and I am UCON's Regional Vice President of Southern California. I am based in Orange County and am happy to help you in any way that I can with issues your business is facing.

Below are the latest updates on the successful negotiations UCON has completed and the continued legislative advocacy on behalf of our contractors. We also have upcoming opportunities for education and training on various topics from leadership and project management to webinars on certified payroll and a summary of changes to the recently bargained MLAs.

If you haven't had a chance, check out our most recent issue of the UCON Magazine and the July Monthly Wrap-Up. Finally, we have some opportunities to get together, break bread, and have fun.

I invite you to join us at our Summer Beach Bash on August 11 in Huntington Beach. It will be a great time for you to mix and mingle with fellow members over tequila tastings, live music, and more.

Sincerely,
Clay

A very busy but successful bargaining season is drawing to a close.

Laborers
UCON, in partnership with Engineering Contractors' Association (ECA), have concluded negotiations with the Laborers. Thanks to the successful efforts of the bargaining team and collaboration with the SCDCL, the Laborers-UCON/ECA agreement is the contract that will be submitted to the DIR. This grants UCON masthead status and confers additional benefits, responsibilities, and a strengthened partnership with the Laborers. Thank you to those representing UCON in the Laborers negotiations.

Parking & Highway Improvement (PHI)
In addition to the MLA, UCON negotiated the Parking & Highway Improvement (PHI) agreement with the SCDCL and Local 1184. UCON's contractors worked together to prioritize industry concerns and built on an already solid relationship with Local 1184. Both sides of the table spoke openly about their concerns and worked together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Our thanks and appreciation to the PHI Negotiating Team.

OE12
UCON also recently concluded negotiations with OE12. Our bargaining team did a great job establishing a strong relationship with OE12 leadership. Utilizing our interest-based bargaining approach and focusing on the problems and concerns of the parties, both sides of the table could understand each other better and find common ground.  Our thanks and appreciation to those representing UCON in the OE12 Negotiations.

All agreements can be found in our Contractor Resource Library. In addition, UCON is putting on webinars in the coming weeks to review the negotiated changes and how they impact your business. Register for the Laborers MLA Changes Webinar and OE12 MLA Changes Webinar.

As you all know, UCON is a contractor-driven organization; without your leadership and participation, we would not be successful. Join one of our UCON Craft Committees to get involved in steering the industry at bargaining and through our ongoing partnership with labor.

In May, UCON held its inaugural Agency Summit in Long Beach. Attendees saw presentations from the Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles, LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, LA Metro, Metrolink, Los Angeles World Airports, Metropolitan Water District, and Caltrans. Additionally, attendees had opportunities to speak with representatives of the agency and some of our prime sponsors at their booths during various networking opportunities throughout the day.

Governor Signs UCON's Retention Cap Bill
Last week, Governor Newsom signed UCON's AB 2173, extending the current public works 5% retention cap into perpetuity. Thank you to Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, who authored this important bill for us. And thank you to all members who wrote letters of support! 

Ongoing Efforts: Material Cost Escalations
UCON has contacted multiple agencies regarding the material cost escalations that no one foresaw and left  contractors carrying the burden for these unprecedented increases. Here is a summary of the message being delivered on your behalf. Additionally, we continue to push for financial relief in the form of a grant program for the mandated COVID paid leave.

We encourage you to take action. UCON has created a template letter that you can email or send to agencies you are working with, urging them to provide financial relief.

AB 5 Construction Protections
Following the Supreme Court's decision not to hear AB 5, there has been a lot of concern regarding its impact on the construction industry. UCON has already successfully sponsored Labor Code Section 2781 legislation that provides a carve-out for construction trucking services through 2025. We will seek to secure the protection indefinitely or extend the protections in the coming years.

PAGA Protection
The Supreme Court ruled that the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) preempts PAGA. This means the grievance machinery in our CBAs protects you from potential PAGA lawsuits. The CA legislature is already moving to alter or possibly replace PAGA altogether. We will closely monitor the situation and be sure to fight to maintain your contractual protections and keep you out of costly litigation.

Save the date for one our most important events of the year, UCON's PAC Fundraiser, held on September 22, 2022, at the home of UCON CEO, Mark Breslin. Now, more than ever, it is vital to raise critical funds to support important lawmakers who protect and defend California's union-signatory contractors and our greater industry. Invitations will be mailed this week and we look forward to your support.

Join UCON for upcoming Agency Liaison Meetings. Liaison meetings allow you to hear directly from various agencies on upcoming projects, policy changes, and other industry impacts. Check our UCON Calendar regularly as we are scheduling additional liaison meetings in the coming months.

• August 10 LA Metro via Microsoft Teams – Contact Dave Jenkins to participate.
• August 30 Caltrans via Webex – Register Here

Over the last three months, UCON has provided over 20 virtual education opportunities. The courses have covered subjects including leadership, safety, estimating, Microsoft Suite skills and computer training, contract writing, accounting, sales and marketing, compliance, and wellness. UCON also hosted speaker Molly Bloom the woman Oscar-nominated film Molly's Game was based on. She shared her story of believing in yourself, overcoming adversity, and the art of pivoting.

In June, we launched this year's Project Management Career Advancement Program. This 13-week program covers the essentials of Construction Management and prepares your company's future leaders. On June 22, UCON hosted an in-person Negotiation for Project Managers course in Long Beach.

If you feel you are missing out on opportunities to help your team grow, I encourage you to look at our Education Calendar for upcoming courses. Below are some that a quickly approaching. Click the link to register.

• August 8 - Laborers MLA Changes Webinar
• August 11 - Subcontract Price and Payment – part of our virtual sub-contractor contract writing series
• August 16 - Effective Virtual Leadership
• August 17 - OE12 MLA Changes Webinar 
• August 18 - Building your Career

Download our full Education Catalog.

Whether you want to do some networking or just get out of the office, our events are here to help. They offer an excellent opportunity to meet other members, our Labor partners, and owners/agencies. So come make some new friends or bring your team for some well-deserved R&R.

UCON's 2022 Summer Beach Bash – Join us on August 11 for our 2022 Summer Beach Bash at the Huntington Beach House at Huntington State Beach. It will be a memorable evening with a luau-themed buffet, a tequila tasting with a tequila sommelier, and live music. Register Here

Twining, Inc. and UCON Host 3rd Annual Construction Angels Golf Tournament – The August 29 Tournament is SOLD OUT. This tournament raises money for Construction Angels, a non-profit providing immediate financial assistance and grief counseling to families of construction workers who have unfortunately lost their lives on the job site. Thank you to all our members who are participating in this wonderful event.

Sal Rubino Golf Classic – UCON's Annual Golf Tournament is back on September 9 at Bayonet & Blackhorse in Seaside, CA. Registration is open. The Sal Rubino Golf Classic is UCON's annual golf tournament offering members a chance to connect outside the office since 1989.