Local
Up to 95,000 California State Workers Walk Out Amid Contract Dispute
SEIU Local 1000 members began a one-day statewide strike Wednesday, protesting alleged unfair labor practices and stalled contract talks. The walkout could affect services at agencies including the DMV, Employment Development Department and State Parks.
Up to 95,000 California state workers began a one-day strike Wednesday, with picket lines planned in Sacramento, Oakland, San Francisco, Fresno, Los Angeles and other cities. The walkout is the first statewide strike by SEIU Local 1000, the union representing about 40% of California’s active state employees.
The union says the strike is a response to unfair labor practices by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration. Contract negotiations, which began in June, remain unresolved over issues including wages, health care costs and remote-work policies. The union is seeking raises totaling 20% over three years, increased state contributions toward health care and department-specific telework rules.
The walkout is expected to disrupt operations at some government departments, including the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Employment Development Department and State Parks. Fewer than 5,000 employees designated as essential — including workers at the departments of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Transportation and State Hospitals — are exempt and required to work.
“Striking is not an action we take lightly,” SEIU Local 1000 President Anica Walls said in a statement, urging the administration to return to bargaining toward a contract that allows workers to afford basic expenses such as rent, groceries and child care.
The California Department of Human Resources, which is negotiating with the union, said it is coordinating with agencies on preparations for service disruptions. Spokesperson Angela Musallam said the department remains focused on reaching a “fair and responsible agreement” and is available to continue negotiations. Agencies have contingency plans, she said.
The dispute intensified this month after the administration asked the Public Employment Relations Board to stop the strike, arguing it put undue pressure on the state during mediation. The board ruled Oct. 16 that the strike could proceed if the union exempted additional employees, most of them at prison facilities. It also directed the state to seek as many replacement workers as possible.
The labor dispute also follows a Newsom administration mandate that took effect in July requiring tens of thousands of hybrid or remote state workers to be in the office at least four days a week. In 2016, SEIU Local 1000 threatened a strike but reached an agreement with the state shortly before one began.