California state workers strike over pay and office return mandate

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 17:32 · Archive

California state workers began a one-day strike Wednesday over pay, healthcare and return-to-office requirements.

California state workers began a one-day strike Wednesday, demanding a new contract that increases pay, ensures affordable healthcare and allows more flexibility for remote work. SEIU Local 1000, the largest union for California government workers representing more than 100,000 employees including auditors, nurses and counselors, is picketing in cities across the state. It marks the first strike since the union's founding in 2004.

Members overwhelmingly voted to authorise the strike earlier this month, accusing the state of failing to bargain in good faith after their contract expired in June. Union president Anica Walls said in a statement: 'We are going on strike because we know the Newsom administration can and must do better. They must return to the table and bargain in good faith toward a contract that allows state workers to afford groceries, childcare, rent and other necessities.'

The strike follows Governor Gavin Newsom's order requiring state workers to return to the office four days a week by July 1. Newsom argued the mandate would improve workplace collaboration and innovation. He vetoed a union-backed bill last month that would have required state agencies to provide written justification for requiring workers in the office. The California Department of Human Resources said state departments have contingency plans in case operations are disrupted.

How it is being reported

• California state workers begin 1-day strike over return-to-office mandate, pay and healthcareCalifornia state workers began a one-day strike Wednesday, urging Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration to agree to a new contract that increases workers’ pay, ensures affordable healthcare access and allows more flexibility for remote work.Clickorlando · 21 Oct, 05:01
• California state workers begin 1-day strike over return-to-office mandate, pay and healthcareCalifornia state workers began a one-day strike Wednesday, urging Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration to agree to a new contract that increases workers’ pay, ensures affordable healthcare access and allows more flexibility for remote work.News4Jax · 21 Oct, 05:01

In this story: California · Gavin Newsom · SEIU Local 1000 · Anica Walls

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