Posts tagged return-to-office
Three California state worker unions stood together at SEIU Local 1000 strike
October 21, 2026 // Many state workers are adjusting to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s four-day return-to-office mandate and state-employed scientist raises slated to start in July initially went unfunded. Those raises were eventually funded in August with last-minute legislation. These instances were top of mind Wednesday when leaders from fellow unions — California Professional Scientists, UAW Local 1115 and California Attorneys Administrative Law Judges and Hearing Officers in State Employment — joined SEIU Local 1000
SEIU Local 1000 announces one-day strike after members give authorization
October 12, 2026 // State workers aren’t required to participate, so it’s unlikely that every SEIU Local 1000 member would engage. Members who go on strike will not be paid during that time. SEIU Local 1000 has a strike fund intended to cover costs like legal expenses if an employee faces retaliation for participating, according to the union’s website - but not to replace lost wages.
Newsom vetoes bill pushing back on return-to-office orders for state workers
September 24, 2026 // "While I fundamentally believe in-person collaboration is an essential part of a productive and effective workplace, the state's existing telework policy includes a process for departments to consider exemptions on a case-by-case basis," the statement reads in part. "This measure, by limiting department flexibility and encouraging telework to be the default work arrangement, takes the state's telework policy in the wrong direction. For those reasons, I cannot sign this bill."
Opinion Shameful: Republicans help SEIU defy Gavin Newsom’s return to work order
September 1, 2026 // Enter Assembly Bill 1729. Authored by Democratic Assemblyman Alex Lee and coauthored by Republican Assemblyman Josh Hoover, the bill throws a statutory obstacle in Newsom’s way. Existing law already requires agencies to maintain telework plans where teleworking is “both practical and beneficial.”
Opinion: Gavin Newsom’s mind-boggling record of giveaways to unions
August 25, 2026 // Richer government contracts and expanded public employee benefits don’t come from nowhere. They land on taxpayers — the same taxpayers already staring down the nation’s highest gas prices, some of the steepest home insurance increases in the country and a cost of living that keeps pushing people out of the state entirely.
CT worker unions to test gubernatorial contenders on key issues
August 17, 2026 // The governor, who won a Democratic primary Tuesday by a 2-1 margin and is favored in early polling to win a third term in November, and Fazio are meeting with representatives of 45,000-plus unionized state employees at a closed-door forum at Charter Oak International Academy in West Hartford. Previous contracts establishing long-term benefits have been set in increments of 10 or even 20 years, raising the stakes for labor and the state.
State workers picket outside CalHR headquarters during SEIU 1000 negotiations
July 24, 2026 // Conversation about remote work comes as state workers are now required to work in-person at least four days a week in hopes of increased productivity. However, those opposed to in-person mandates point to cost savings. Assemblymember Alex Lee, D-San Jose, proposed a bill that would allow telework, citing improved air quality from fewer commutes and reduced office space needs bringing $225 million in potential savings. “We’re able to save the state billions of dollars when we have structural deficits,” Walls said. The topic was top-of-mind Wednesday as picketers held signs reading “Telework is not political,” “I’d rather be home working,” and “No RTO.”
Arbitrator restores telework for IRS workers
July 22, 2026 // The Internal Revenue Service withdrew from participating in the National Treasury Employees Union’s grievance against the agency for its 2025 return-to-office push in March, forcing independent arbitrator Christopher Shulman to conduct proceedings with management in absentia.
As Newsom’s return-to-office mandate is just one week away, state workers and unions continue pushback
June 29, 2026 // Governor's order requiring most employees in the office four days a week takes effect July 1 amid concerns over costs, staffing and workplace readiness
California state workers union warns of mass exodus with Newsom’s return to office order
June 22, 2026 // From an economic perspective, the return-to-office mandate could benefit local businesses, according to Robert Heidt, president of the Sacramento Metro Chamber. “There is a lot of value in bringing people back to the office. The ebb and flow. The next generation of workforce. There is a value in experiencing by observation. Even me as the CEO, if I wasn't here every day, there are things I wouldn't notice or pick up or see in the office,” Heidt said. “I can't imagine that we can sustain an acceptable level of business and commerce with everyone remote. It just doesn't make sense,” he added.