(FOX40.COM) — Thousands of California state workers are on strike as SEIU Local 1000 embarks on its first-ever work stoppage.
Workers took to the picket lines Wednesday morning for a one-day strike to protest what the union says are unfair labor practices on the part of Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration. SEIU Local 1000 says the state isn't bargaining in good faith over employees' pay, healthcare and telework options.
The union, which represents more than 100,000 state employees, held an internal election over the past month over whether to give leaders the authority to call a strike amid negotiations with the administration. That effort was successful, with more than 96% voting to authorize the strike.
Anica Walls, president of SEIU Local 1000, said workers are on strike because 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, child care, rent and other necessities," she said in a statement. "Striking is not an action we take lightly. It’s an action we are taking because state workers have no other choice. Together, we are fighting for the future of California’s dedicated public servants, and we are willing to do whatever it takes to win."
When the state workers first authorized the strike, the administration told FOX40 it was ready to “sit down anytime” to negotiate.
“The state remains focused on protecting the critical and essential services that Californians rely on,” the California Department of Human Resources said in a statement in early October.
Wednesday's work stoppage is a historic moment for SEIU Local 1000. The union, which represents a wide variety of state employees, had never before gone on strike against the state of California.
It got close in 2016 when members last authorized a strike amid negotiations with then-Gov. Jerry Brown. That year, union leaders went as far as to plan a one-day strike before calling things off at the last moment.
This year, SEIU Local 1000 filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge July 22, alleging state negotiators have failed to bargain fairly. According to the union, the strike authorization vote “stems directly from the state’s alleged unfair practices.”
Their current contract with the state expired June 30 amid widespread worker frustration over the governor’s return-to-office mandate. The rule, which took effect July 1, requires workers to be in-office four days each week with one remote day — a significant change from the state’s post-pandemic policy that allowed for three remote days each week with only two required in-person days.
In addition to telework, the union says its top priorities include a 20% salary increase over three years and increased state contributions to employees' healthcare.
Wednesday's strike began with picket lines at five locations across Sacramento, with several other locations around the state. Workers plan to rally at noon in front of CalHR headquarters.
Just a few members of the union are prohibited from going on strike. According to SEIU Local 1000, PERB rejected the state's request to stop the stoppage, allowing the strike to go forward with just a small number of workers designated as essential employees reporting to work.
CalHR told FOX40 it coordinated with the union and state departments to prepare before the strike.
"Departments also maintain regularly updated contingency plans that can be activated as needed to address any potential disruptions in government operations," the department said in a statement. "As part of these preparedness efforts, CalHR continues to provide guidance, training, and support to state departments. The department remains focused on achieving a fair and responsible agreement and continues to be available at the bargaining table."
