Thousands of California public employees begin strike over contract

Key points

• SEIU Local 1000 began a one-day strike on Wednesday after its contract expired on 30 June.
• The union seeks a 20% raise over three years, higher healthcare contributions and flexible telework.
• About 5,000 workers deemed essential will report to work during the strike, the union said.

Thousands of California state workers began a one-day strike on Wednesday, with rallies planned outside government buildings in several cities. The action follows failed contract talks between the union SEIU Local 1000 and Governor Gavin Newsom's administration.

SEIU Local 1000 represents roughly 100,000 public employees, including nurses and teachers. Its contract expired on 30 June, and the union says it has been at an impasse with the state since then.

Union demands and complaint

The union's negotiators say the state rejected their main proposals: a 20% salary increase over three years, higher state healthcare contributions and flexible telework. Newsom has required state workers to be in office four days a week.

Union representatives also filed a complaint with California's public employment relations board, arguing the state bargained in bad faith. They allege the state waited until 30 June to respond to some proposals and said there was "no money" for additional compensation.

We are going on strike because we know the Newsom administration can and must do better

— Anica Walls

State response and essential workers

The state has not commented publicly on the negotiations, citing confidentiality. A spokesperson for Newsom's office did not immediately comment on the work stoppage.

California's department of human resources reportedly tried to block the strike, arguing the union had no plans to exempt essential workers. The labor board set a list of about 5,000 essential workers who will report to work during the strike, according to the union. Wednesday's picketing was a first for the union.