The Southern California Contractors Association (SCCA) and United Contractors (UCON), formerly the Engineering & Utility Contractors Association (EUCA), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a new strategic partnership that will provide joint legislative and regulatory advocacy and labor relations throughout the state.

The associations said they will work closely together to aggressively advocate on behalf of the heavy, civil construction industry on state and federal legislation, regulations and litigation matters.

United Contractors President Rob Layne, O.C. Jones & Sons Inc., said that by working collectively, UCON and SCCA will form “the only statewide union-only labor relations service to California’s construction industry.”

SCCA President Pete Rasic, W.A. Rasic Construction, said the MOU will “produce dividends for union contractors for decades to come.”

SCCA and UCON said they plan to use the joint legislative and political resources of both associations on a statewide basis to “create a more effective legislative, political, and regulatory climate to enhance the political strength of members in both groups and the overall California union-construction industry.”

The associations said they will jointly co-sponsor legislation, work cooperatively to address regulatory issues impacting the construction industry through agency relationships, regulatory filings, regulatory comments, joint-litigation cases and other aspects. Both associations will continue working to further develop coalitions within construction and engineering associations and unions, work on joint policy and position papers, and work to present a unified construction message to elected officials and opinion leaders around the state.

Together, UCON and SCCA represent more than 700 union-affiliated contractors and associated industry firms throughout California.