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California state workers to strike Wednesday over contract, office mandate

Associated Press reports SEIU Local 1000 will strike Wednesday, seeking 20% raises and remote-work flexibility.

Updated Oct 21, 2026 · 14:14 UTC3 reports

The short version

  • SEIU Local 1000, which represents more than 100,000 California government workers, plans a one-day strike Wednesday.[Associated Press]
  • Members authorized the strike earlier this month, accusing the state of failing to bargain in good faith after their contract expired in June. Union president Anica Walls said the administration must return to the table.[Associated Press]
  • The walkout follows Gov. Gavin Newsom's order requiring four-day office attendance by July 1, which he argued would improve collaboration and innovation. He also vetoed a union-backed bill on written justifications for in-office work.[Associated Press]
  • The Department of Human Resources says departments have contingency plans, but the strike's effect on services remains unclear. The union seeks a 20% raise over three years and higher state healthcare contributions.[Associated Press]

Key facts

  • SEIU Local 1000 plans a one-day strike Wednesday, its first picket across California since the union was founded in 2004.[Associated Press]
  • Union members authorized the strike earlier this month after their contract expired in June.[Associated Press]
  • Newsom ordered state workers to return to offices four days a week by July 1.[Associated Press]
  • Newsom vetoed a union-backed bill last month that would have required written justification for in-office mandates.[Associated Press]
  • The union is seeking a 20% salary increase over three years and a higher state contribution toward healthcare costs.[Associated Press]

What remains uncertain

  • The strike's effect on state services is unknown; the Department of Human Resources says departments have contingency plans.[Associated Press]
  • The administration's response to the union's 20% pay and healthcare demands is not reported in the available coverage.[Associated Press]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.