State workers picket outside CalHR headquarters during SEIU 1000 negotiations

A labor dispute between the state and its largest union, SEIU Local 1000, continued midday Wednesday as an estimated 150 people gathered to advocate for higher wages, telework and affordable health benefits.

During the labor negotiations, picketers followed a purple flag around the California Department of Human Resources headquarters, 1810 16th St., as chants and car horns echoed near the southeast border of downtown Sacramento.

“We save money, we save time, telework is not a crime,” attendees chanted.

Union says state ‘hasn’t been forthright’

Bobby Roy, a Department of Education employee who negotiates for the union, said negotiations started three months ago, and the latest ratified agreement expired at the end of June.

Despite the absence of a deal, Roy said, union officials are working toward an agreement. He also said “the state hasn’t been forthright in responding to our proposal.” A CalHR spokesperson said the agency respects the confidential nature of ongoing negotiations.

“You’ll get in life what you fight for, and it’s so important that we all fight for our rights as workers,” Roy said.

The union asked for a 20% raise across three years, according to union President Anica Walls, who works with the Department of Social Services. Union officials are also asking for telework, which would include $25 commuting stipends for those required to work in-person, and health benefits to ensure accessibility to affordable medical services.

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.”

Newsom’s latest comments on RTO

Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed concerns about return to office orders, often referred to as RTO, during a press conference Tuesday, saying the mandate aims to increase creativity and foster relationships. He said great ideas often happen in the hallway rather than during standard meetings.

“I don’t know that the world’s great breakthroughs have happened online,” Newsom said.

During that same press conference, Newsom also said workers “still have a three-day weekend” with current RTO policies.

“You get three-day weekends, you still do,” Newsom said, “You know, four years ago that would have been a triumph. Now, it’s some burden.”

That comment was reflected on picket signs Wednesday, including one carried by Franchise Tax Board employee Crystal Aguilar, who said she feels “extremely disrespected and insulted that my ultimate boss and an elected official would come out and say that about his own employees.”

When asked about Newsom’s three-day weekend comment, Roy said state employees work five days a week, but that the union would consider a three-day weekend if it were brought to the bargaining table. Roy said workers shouldn’t be subject to a pay cut in that scenario.

“I think it’s a clear misunderstanding of what even he is trying to implement. It’s totally inaccurate,” Roy said. “We are working five days a week, whether it’s in the office or at home. We are working.”

The clock is ticking for an agreement as it requires legislative approval, and California’s legislative session ends at the end of next month. If an agreement is made while lawmakers are in recess, it would be considered tentative until a vote is cast and it is then signed by the governor.

However, the clock isn’t pushing SEIU 1000 to cut any corners for a ratified contract, according to Roy.

“We’re going to take our time to get the right deal to do things right,” he said. “We’re not going to (fast-track an agreement) because when you rush, you tend to make mistakes.”