Thousands of state workers walk off the job, pressing Newsom on raises and flexibility to work from home – Los Angeles Times

Thousands of state workers walk off the job, pressing Newsom on raises and flexibility to work from home  Los Angeles Times

The largest union in California state government held a one-day strike Wednesday, drawing thousands of workers off the job, as it presses 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 to protest what they describe as unfair labor practices by the Newsom administration. SEIU Local 1000’s first strike in its 44-year history unfolded in several cities including Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Francisco. The union — which represents about 100,000 workers, nearly half the state workforce — has been in contentious labor talks with the administration since its 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 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 Newsom has led the state. “The budget is balanced on state employees’ backs,” Local 1000 President Anica Walls said. “It’s just showing how frustrated employees are with the lack of prioritizing us as people who really help California remain the fourth-largest economy in the world.” Angela Musallam,