Seeking a stronger representation with unions over the next decade, two Northern California-based union contractor trade associations are combining under a new name, United Contractors.

The Engineering & Utility Contractors Association (EUCA), San Ramon, and the Association of Engineering Construction Employers (AECE), Sacramento, have worked together on a number of labor issues for more than 20 years, so it makes sense to combine resources to “meet contractor challenges” head on, said EUCA CEO Mark Breslin.

“There has been lots of overlap,” he said.

At a special membership meeting in San Ramon Wednesday, Breslin laid out the plan for United Contractors, which, he said, will become the largest association “of our type west of the Mississippi.”

AECE, founded in 1985 for collective bargaining and labor relations on behalf of engineering, utility and structures contractors, will be dissolved by the beginning of 2012. 

EUCA, formed in 1970, represents more than 200 union-affiliated engineering and utility contractors with a combined project portfolio of more than $5 billion annually, said Breslin. Most EUCA members are underground and utility contractors; the rest are grading, paving, transportation and general contractors.

EUCA’s 2012 president is Rob Layne of O.C. Jones & Sons, Inc., and officers are Michael Ghilotti, Ghilotti Bros., Inc., vice president/president-elect/secretary-treasurer; and Kevin Albanese, Joseph J. Albanese, Inc., secretary-treasurer-elect.

EUCA’s current labor contracts include Operating Engineers Local #3, Laborers International Union of North America, United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Piledrivers, Cement Masons, Ironworkers and Teamsters.

AECE’s current officers are Jim Alvey, Appian Engineering, Inc., president; Greg Silva, DSS Co./Knife River Construction, first vice president; Kevin Malone, Sr., Cal Neva Construction Services, Inc., second vice president; and Randy Jenco, Viking Construction Co., Inc., secretary.