California’s largest state employee union walked off the job Wednesday for a one-day strike, the first in its history, demanding a new contract from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration, the Associated Press reported.
SEIU Local 1000 represents more than 100,000 state workers, including auditors, nurses and counselors. Members voted overwhelmingly this month to authorize the walkout, accusing the state of failing to bargain in good faith since their contract expired in June.
The union wants higher pay, affordable health care and more flexibility to work remotely. The dispute follows Newsom’s order requiring state workers to be in the office four days a week as of July 1.
“They must return to the table and bargain in good faith,” union President Anica Walls said.
Sources: AP via KTAR News. Thee Arizona Times uses AI-assisted reporting reviewed against the sources listed.
Photo: Photograph: Radomianin / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
