SEIU Local 1000 Launches First Statewide Strike, Idling Tens of Thousands Over 20% Pay Demand
Updated
Updated · KQED · Oct 22
SEIU Local 1000 Launches First Statewide Strike, Idling Tens of Thousands Over 20% Pay Demand
3 articles · Updated · KQED · Oct 22
Summary
Tens of thousands of California state employees walked off the job Wednesday in SEIU Local 1000’s first-ever statewide strike, disrupting agencies including the DMV, Employment Development Department and State Parks.
The one-day walkout follows months of stalled contract talks with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration over a 20% raise over three years, healthcare costs and telework rules.
About 96,000 workers are represented by the union, while fewer than 5,000 employees deemed essential at prisons, transportation and hospitals were exempted and required to work.
The strike also reflects anger over Newsom’s July order requiring many hybrid or remote employees to return to offices at least four days a week.
A labor board on Oct. 16 allowed the strike to proceed after ordering more exemptions, after the state had tried to block it as mediation continues.