Anica Walls Announces Strike Authorization Vote for California's Largest State Workers Union
Anica Walls, President of SEIU Local 1000, announced that members of California's largest state workers union will begin voting on whether to authorize an unfair practice strike. The vote will take place from September 9 through October 7. SEIU Local 1000 represents approximately 100,000 state workers across various departments, including nurses, custodians, and office staff. The union is seeking a new contract following the expiration of their previous agreement on June 30. Negotiations have been ongoing since April 22, but the union alleges the state failed to bargain in good faith, leading to the filing of an unfair practice charge in July. Union members are seeking improvements in pay, health benefits, and telework policies. If the majority of members vote to authorize a strike, the union will have the authority to launch a statewide strike, which would be the first in the union's history. The California Department of Human Resources stated that the state will continue to bargain in good faith and will explore all options to protect critical public services if a strike occurs.
Sources
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California state workers to vote on strike as contract talks with Newsom administration stall
CBS News
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SEIU 1000, union representing California's public sector, announces vote to authorize strike
KCRA
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California state worker union to vote on whether to authorize historic strike
Abridged – PBS KVIE