California state workers strike over pay and work terms

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 18:20 · Archive

Thousands of California state workers struck on Wednesday over a contract that expired in June.

Thousands of California state workers struck on Wednesday in major cities, marking the first strike for SEIU Local 1000, which represents roughly 100,000 public employees including nurses and teachers. The union's contract with Governor Gavin Newsom's administration expired on 30 June.

The union is demanding a 20% salary increase over three years, higher state healthcare contributions and flexible telework arrangements. Newsom has required state workers to be in office four days a week. The union has alleged that the state engaged in bad faith bargaining, waiting until 30 June to respond to some proposals and claiming there was 'no money' for additional compensation.

The state agency CalHR said it 'remains focused on achieving a fair and responsible agreement' and continues to be available at the bargaining table. Governor Newsom's office did not immediately comment on the work stoppage. The labour board determined that about 5,000 workers deemed essential would report to work during the strike. Union president Anica Walls asked Californians to give employees 'grace', noting the strike had lasted over three months without a contract.

How it is being reported

• California braces for chaos as tens of thousands of DMV, state workers walk off the jobCalifornia’s largest state workers’ union is following through on a threat to strike.New York Post · 21 Oct, 18:30
• California state workers stage a 1-day strike for better pay, benefitsCalifornia state workers began a one-day strike Wednesday in major cities in the state, in protest of what they say are unfair labor practices.UPI · 21 Oct, 17:59
• Thousands of California public employees set to strike over contractSEIU Local 1000, representing nurses and teachers, pushing for higher wages, telework and affordable healthcare Thousands of California state workers were set to strike Wednesday, rallying outside government buildings in several cities, as tensions boiled over lapsed contract negotiations with governor Gavin Newsom’s administration. SEIU Local 1000, a union that represents roughly 100,000 public employees, including nurses and teachers, has been pushing for higher wages, flexible telework and affordable healthcare. Continue reading...Guardian World · 21 Oct, 14:20

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

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