Tere was a full recognition that as an industry, we have not done any succession planning for labor relations. Contractors have delegated that responsibility in most cases to a select few – many of whom are approaching retirement. Tis includes responsibilities to our trust funds, to the labor agreements, and to the relationships with our union partners. AGC of California board leadership


has been intentionally reaching out to contractors of other associations and within our own to begin the discussions on how we take more ownership and align the industry as we go forward. For those contractors that are signatory to a union, this is one of the most important relationships as it is the relationship with your workforce. Across the board, contractors need


to take a more proactive approach to labor relations and not rely solely on associations to manage these relation- ships. We have witnessed now over the past few years and throughout rounds of negotiations that contractors must own the agreements collectively and not let association dynamics get in the way. Labor relations is a critical form of


advocacy that occurs between our in- dustry partners. However, when we think of advocacy, we typically think of the government institutions and elected officials that make decisions influenc- ing our economy, and instituting rules governing our projects, companies, and contracts. Here AGC of California is proud to continue our work serving as the voice of the industry.


A United Front with Agency Liaisons Tis year, in order to display a united front when meeting with agencies throughout the state, we opened up our existing system of agency liaisons to others in the industry. Even if association engage-


ments are well intentioned, we recognize the importance of conveying the right message to agencies who can pick and choose which association position best fits theirs. Tis can include how agencies develop new specs, evaluate contracts, or interpret new state regulations on job sites. Examples can be seen in how, fol-


lowing the passage of AB 1851 in 2022, AGC of California consistently advocated to the California Department of Indus- trial Relations, California Department of Transportation, and in every agency liaison across the state regarding the parameters of prevailing wage coverage for on-haul trucking onto public works sites. AGC of California was intimately involved in the negotiation of the bill and has made the effort to provide joint feedback and issue joint statements with other associations on the purpose of the legislation. Furthermore, understanding the diffi- culties industry has faced while working with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, we set out to bridge the gap and work through solutions within the industry. AGC of California, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the California Coun- cil, and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) have convened for quarterly meetings this year in an effort to represent the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry in California. Chief Berlant, acting state fire marshal, and Chief Henning, assistant deputy director, fire & life safety, state training and code development & analysis, have made their commitment to changing the much-needed shift in culture that has historically troubled our industry. Our first meeting was an introduction.


We were able to set common ground on goals. Both sides recognized discrepan- cies between the design phases through


Tateishi


O’Connor


Mello


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023


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