California’s largest state worker union, SEIU Local 1000, which represents about 100,000 public employees, announced its members have overwhelmingly authorized a strike. The union reported that 96% of those who voted were in favor of a walkout. A one-day strike has been set for October 21. This action follows the union's demands for better pay, more affordable healthcare coverage, and increased flexibility for remote work.
Should the strike occur, San Jose residents could experience disruptions to state services. Potential impacts include delays at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the state’s unemployment and disability insurance offices, according to Anica Walls, the union’s president.
The union’s contract expired on June 30. SEIU Local 1000 is urging the Newsom administration to provide a larger raise and boost to benefits than previously offered. The union asserts that the state has sufficient funds to meet these demands, citing a $20 billion increase in general fund spending over the past two years.
In addition to the strike authorization, the union filed a complaint with the state’s Public Employment Relations Board. The complaint accused CalHR, the state agency responsible for labor negotiations, of engaging in bad faith bargaining, delaying negotiations, and rejecting proposals outright. In late September, the board sided with the union, concluding that CalHR "refused to meet and confer in good faith."
In response to these findings, Angela Musallam, CalHR’s deputy director of communications, stated that the state “has been, and remains open to negotiation, and is prepared to move into mediation to assist the parties in reaching an agreement.” Musallam added that CalHR's focus continues to be on achieving a fair and responsible agreement, and they remain available at the bargaining table.
This would mark an unprecedented event for the union, as it has never conducted a statewide walkout in the 44-year history of the labor groups that eventually formed Local 1000. The union came close to striking in 2016, but an agreement with then-Gov. Jerry Brown averted the action at the last moment. SEIU Local 1000 represents almost half of the state government workforce, encompassing a broad range of professions including nurses, clerks, program analysts, information technology staff, and custodians.
The previous three-year contract provided workers represented by Local 1000 with three consecutive 3% raises, with many also receiving additional special salary adjustments. That contract was estimated to increase state spending by a cumulative $1.5 billion. However, a state budget crisis later altered these plans. The Newsom administration withheld a promised additional 1% raise that was slated for 2025 if specific economic conditions were met. Instead, unions agreed to temporary pay reductions in June 2025, which the administration sought to balance the budget. These reductions effectively negated the contract’s promised salary increase. Additionally, Local 1000 delayed a raise that was scheduled to take effect on July 1 until the following summer. In exchange, civil servants received additional days off work through those agreements, which they can cash out in the future.
Union President Anica Walls emphasized the role of state employees, stating, "Realistically we are less than 3% of the budget. We do all the work that keeps all the necessary benefits for the Californians that deserve them." Walls further noted that for employees to continue performing their duties, the administration simply needs to bargain in good faith. When asked about potential negotiations with the current administration versus a successor, Walls affirmed the union's resolve, stating, "Administrations change, but our demands won’t."
