Thousands of California state workers walk off the job in contract dispute with Newsom – CalMatters

Thousands of California state workers walk off the job in contract dispute with Newsom  CalMatters

The largest union in California state government held a one-day strike, drawing thousands of workers off the job. It's pressing Gov. Gavin Newsom for raises. The largest union in California state government held a one-day strike, drawing thousands of workers off the job. It’s pressing Gov. Gavin Newsom for raises and more flexibility to work from home. Garbed in purple and holding signs that read “Fair contracts now!” and “Here to serve, not to starve,” thousands of state workers rallied at government buildings across California Wednesday to protest what they describe as unfair labor practices by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration. SEIU Local 1000’s first strike in its 44-year history unfolded in several cities including Sacramento, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The union — which represents about 100,000 workers, nearly half the state workforce — has been in contentious labor talks with the Newsom administration since its latest contract expired in late June. Its members want a better raise than Newsom has offered as well as more flexibility to work from home. Newsom just a year ago demanded wage reductions from the union to help shore up a budget crisis. State workers have accepted pay cuts in three of the eight years Newsmom led the state. “The budget is balanced on state employees’ backs,” said Local 1000 President Anica Walls. “It’s