r/CAStateWorkers • u/stateemployee1234 • 3d ago
Just received the weekly email from PECG and copied it below. I already planned on standing with SEIU, but appreciate them actually saying something:
_____________________________________
PECG supports SEIU 1000's efforts to secure the best possible contract for its members that includes competitive wage increases, affordable health care, and improved benefits, including permanent flexible telework rights. PECG calls on the Governor to recognize the good and vital work SEIU members perform daily on behalf of Californians by reaching an agreement on a fair and competitive agreement immediately.
As you are aware, SEIU 1000 has called for a one-day strike on October 21. At this time, PECG reminds rank and file members that the decision to respect a picket line lies with each state employee. Unit 9 employees, like all state employees, have the fundamental right to refrain from crossing a picket line. If you choose to participate in an SEIU picket line, please make sure that you do not block building access.
PECG rank and file members who follow their conscience and refuse to cross SEIU’s lines are advised to follow call-out procedures to notify their supervisors of their planned absence. You must clearly communicate to your chain of command that you are exercising your fundamental right to refrain from crossing SEIU’s picket lines. You will not be paid for your time on October 21 if you honor SEIU’s strike. You may not use sick leave or paid leave to cover your absence.
Supervisors and managers are reminded not to interfere with rank and file employees’ protected rights, and they should neither encourage nor discourage their employees’ exercise of these rights. Supervisors and managers also do not have the same protections as rank and file employees. Supervisors and managers who choose to withhold their labor on October 21 may face disciplinary action.
PECG also reminds members that the Sick Leave and Vacation or Annual Leave provisions of the Unit 9 MOU still apply. If you had approved time off during the period of SEIU’s strike action, you are still entitled to that time. If you are sick during the period of SEIU’s strike action, you may use sick leave, though a medical note may be required in certain circumstances. If you are concerned that you are facing illegal reprisal for exercising your rights under law and the PECG MOU, please contact PECG.
r/CAStateWorkers • u/Harabe • 3h ago
Everybody in my office is aware of the strike, but I overheard a lot of coworkers tell the steward they weren't participating. I don't know if they're lying because they don't want our managers to hear since managers are in cubicles in my office as well, but this is extemely disappointing. My manager for sure heard me say I'll be there though.
r/CAStateWorkers • u/dankgureilla • 4h ago
I'm pumped for this strike. I hope enough of us strike to shut down departments like EDD and DMV. The public is going to be pissed at Newsom's bitch ass.
r/CAStateWorkers • u/LadyScroll • 6h ago
Hey everyone! I attended an informational union meeting at my department yesterday and had the opportunity to speak directly with our steward. I wanted to share a few things we discussed in case they're helpful to other members.
1. Managers asking about strike participation
We were told that managers asking whether employees intend to participate in the strike may constitute interference and should be reported to your union representative so the union can evaluate whether to file an Unfair Practice Charge, specifically naming your manager. If your manager is giving you any trouble regarding the strike, report it to your rep!
They emphasized documenting everything and emailing the details to your representative, including:
- Date and time of the interaction
- What was said, as accurately as possible
- Names of the people involved
- Names of any witnesses
- Any other relevant details
Document the interaction while it's fresh and get the information to your rep.
2. Printing and distributing union materials
We were told that printing union signs and flyers using state equipment is permitted for protected union activity, provided it doesn't interfere with state operations. We also discussed the ability to distribute union literature before or after work hours or during meal and rest breaks.
If you want the exact contract language, read Article 2 of the current agreement.
3. What happens if the October 21 one-day strike isn't enough?
The union indicated that if additional pressure is needed, they will escalate. We were told that another strike vote would not be required because the existing strike authorization vote covers a subsequent strike as well. A second, longer strike has not been ruled out. If additional strike dates are announced, members will be notified.
4. What if you're considered an essential employee and excluded from the strike?
We were told that employees who are excluded from participating because they're designated as essential will be individually informed by the union. As of yesterday, nobody has been deemed essential because the union and state are still bargaining about who is essential.
💜
I wanted to pass along what I heard directly at the meeting. If you've received additional guidance from your representatives, please share it in the comments so we can all stay informed!
Solidarity! ✊
r/CAStateWorkers • u/Dependent-Baker-2553 • 5h ago
Thought I’d share, I found this on IG. Hahaha!
r/CAStateWorkers • u/RelationshipWild5442 • 4h ago
r/CAStateWorkers • u/Pure-Muffin9645 • 26m ago
Being in office more has exposed the incompetent workers who do nothing all day - who don’t get assigned work because they can’t be trusted to do anything correctly, who stand around running their mouth all day hanging out in other people’s cubicles.
It is a slap in the face to those of us who actually work and have to pick up their slack while they float around the office doing nothing all day and playing in our faces.
The simple truth is that a lazy person will be lazy at home or in the office. It doesn’t make a difference. RTO sucks for those of us who actually worked from home and continue to work while in office. We are the real ones being punished.
r/CAStateWorkers • u/BFaus916 • 8h ago
r/CAStateWorkers • u/ToxDrawace • 6h ago
I am a job steward for SEIU 1000, and my team of stewards and I have been collecting myths that we want to set straight. I'm on mobile at the moment, so apologies for the lack of better formatting:
MYTH: I can't strike because I'm not a union member.
REALITY: You still have labor rights. If you're in a bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 1000, you can strike. You do not have to be a member to withhold your labor.
MYTH: I can't strike because I'm on probation.
REALITY: You still have protected rights on probation. You cannot be punished just because you join a protected strike activity. Punishment for using your protected rights is against the law. If management suddenly treats you differently, document it and contact your union 866-471-7348.
MYTH: I can use the bike lockers at work during the strike.
REALITY: You cannot access State facilities during the strike. Make another plan to store your bike.
MYTH: I can use PTO to attend the strike.
REALITY: You cannot use leave to cover strike time. If you strike, you lose pay for that time. If you had already pre-approved leave, you can keep that leave, unless you are planning on attending the strike.
MYTH: I need to tell my manager I am striking.
REALITY: You do not need permission to strike. You do not have to give your manager advance notice. Your union gives notice to the State.
MYTH: My manager can make me tell them if I plan to strike so they can plan coverage.
REALITY: You do not have to tell your manager whether you plan to strike. Management can plan for staffing, but it cannot pressure you, intimidate you, or use questioning to make you disclose protected strike activity. If your manager starts polling workers, write down what was asked and contact your union at 866.471.SEIU (7348).
MYTH: I can park at State facilities during the strike.
REALITY: You cannot park in State facilities during the strike. Your right to strike does not guarantee access to State parking, and the state will consider your use of those facilities as crossing the picket line. Follow the parking plan for your strike location and plan to use public parking or a paid private garage.
MYTH: This is a strike for telework.
REALITY: This is a ULP strike over the State's failure to bargain in good faith. Telework is one of the issues at the table. The strike is about whether the State has followed the law at the table. In other words, the strike is about how the state is bargaining, not what it is bargaining.
MYTH: I don't hear people talking about the strike, so nobody is going to do it.
REALITY: Quiet does not mean weak. Most people decide to strike after a real conversation with someone they trust. If your workplace feels quiet, that means talking to a few of your desk neighbors can make a difference! Thousands have already committed to the strike in Sacramento!
MYTH: I can't participate because of my RA, disability, field office, or another barrier.
REALITY: You do not have to stand on a picket line all day to strike. The heart of a strike is simple: you withhold your labor. If you need an accessible way to participate, talk to your strike team or your union.
MYTH: The State won't care about a one-day strike.
REALITY: The State will notice how many of you stop working. A one-day strike shows your strength, tests your organization, and proves you are willing to act together.
MYTH: I won't get paid whether I strike or show up.
REALITY: If you work, you get paid for working. If you strike, you lose pay for the strike time. Those are not the same thing.
MYTH: I'll get in trouble if I don't show up on strike day.
REALITY: If you are participating in a protected strike, management cannot lawfully punish you for striking. Your timesheet may show an absence code. That is not the same thing as discipline. If your manager says they will discipline you before, during, or after the ULP strike, write it down and contact your union to report it at 866.471.SEIU (7348),
MYTH: The strike is illegal because our contract has a no-strike clause.
REALITY: A no-strike clause does not automatically make every strike illegal. California law can protect a strike caused by an employer's unfair labor practices. That is why your union is calling this a ULP strike.
MYTH: I can't strike because I'm an "essential worker."
REALITY: "Essential" does not mean what it meant during COVID. Assume you can strike unless your union tells you otherwise. If your position is legally excluded because your absence would create an immediate and serious threat to public health or safety, you will be notified by our union (not your manager).
MYTH: I have to stay on the picket line all day.
REALITY: No. You strike by withholding your labor. Join the line for as long as you safely can. You do not have to prove your commitment by hurting yourself.
MYTH: It will be unsafe for me to be near the picket line.
REALITY: You should never put yourself in danger. Follow your strike captains. Stay with your coworkers. Leave if something becomes unsafe. You can still strike even if you cannot stay on the line.
MYTH: Isn't striking basically total anarchy?
REALITY: No. You are taking organized, collective action. There is a date, a plan, union staff, strike captains, picket locations, and rules. A strike is not chaos. It is a group of workers acting together on purpose, with purpose.
MYTH: If I strike, it will hurt my chances of promotion.
REALITY: Management cannot lawfully deny you a promotion because you joined protected strike activity. If you are threatened, singled out, or treated differently afterward, write it down and report it to your union. This is a protected activity, and it is unlawful to add your participation to your personnel record.
MYTH: I can't strike because I'll lose my benefits.
REALITY: You do not lose your health insurance or retirement because you strike for one day. You lose pay for the time you strike. You do not lose your benefits.
r/CAStateWorkers • u/Shot_Mind_5801 • 7h ago
From SEIU:
On October 20, the night before we strike, we urge you to join us for a virtual Strike Day 101 session to learn more about how to prepare, what to expect, and address any last-minute concerns.
Register here: Zoom Meeting
After that meeting, get a good night's rest. We need to bring our full force the next day. For now, it’s going to be just one day. We don’t know if more days will be necessary to get CalHR to show respect and bargain in good faith. But we know this: a one-day strike is only a threat if we show up IN HUGE NUMBERS. Numbers are our strength. The larger our turnout, the faster they'll realize they can't afford to push us to another strike.
The strike day will start early. Here’s the lineup:
October 21, 2026
SACRAMENTO - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Phase One: 5 locations
• SOS, 1500 11th St
• May Lee Complex, 651 Bannon St
• DMV HQ, 2415 1st Ave
• CNRA Building, 715 P St
• CDE HQ, 1430 N St
Phase Two:
• CalHR, 1810 16th St
Timeline:
6:30AM Sign in begins at all locations
7:00 – 10:00AM Phase One Begins: Strike lines at various locations
10:00 – 11:00AM All groups head to CalHR headquarters to prepare for the final strike line of the day
11:00AM – 12:00PM Phase Two Begins: Strike line at CalHR
12:00 – 12:45 PM Programming featuring special guest speakers
1:00 – 3:00 PM Strike Line marches to the Capitol Annex Swing Space
—
7 Other Major Locations:
OAKLAND - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Elihu M Harris State Building, 1515 Clay St
SAN FRANCISCO - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Public Utilities Commission HQ, 505 Van Ness Ave
FRESNO - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Hugh Burns State Building, 1085 P St
LOS ANGELES - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Ronald Reagan State Building, 300 S Spring St
NORWALK - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Metro State Hospital, 11401 Bloomfield Ave
SAN BERNARDINO - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Rosa Parks Memorial Building, 464 W 4th St
SAN DIEGO - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Mission Valley State Building, 7575 Metropolitan Dr
Timeline:
6:30 AM Sign In Begins
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Strike Line featuring programming from special guest speakers
—
Additional Strike Lines (thank you to those who stepped up to organize these strike lines for workers outside of major cities)
• Crescent City – Cooper Ave & Hwy 101,
8:00am – 3:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:amberrr64@yahoo.com)
• Eureka – K Street & Hwy 101,
8:00am – 3:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:jkoeppel@outlook.com)
• Redding – Hilltop Dr & Cypress Ave,
8:00am – 3:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:WilliamsRob45@gmail.com)
• Susanville – Lassen Shopping Center (2535 Main St),
5:15am – 2:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:brkhse1982@yahoo.com)
• El Centro – Main St & North Imperial,
8:00am – 3:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:cshannonseiu710@gmail.com)
• Blythe – 430 S Broadway,
8:00am – 3:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:a.m.tate@hotmail.com)
This will be a historic strike. This is, in fact, the first one led by SEIU Local 1000. Remember our goals. We are there to make our voices heard, to show that we are serious about what we are asking for. There will be media everywhere. We can’t control how they portray us, but we are also the media ourselves. Take pictures, share them on Reddit, on any other platform. Get our message across clearly: this is a fair fight. We are asking for fair wages, affordable healthcare, a more modernized, cost-saving work culture (such as telework). These are all reasonable asks, the kinds of things that most, if not all, of the working class should be fighting for.
The State of California should set an example.
——
To bring list (suggested):
#1: Signs, signs, signs: this helps direct media attention to the message we’re trying to convey, rather than our appearance. Make sure it reads “ULP Strike” somewhere
Hats/Umbrella: Current forecast shows it might rain in the afternoon. (How about purple hats and umbrellas☔️ ?)
Jacket/blankets: anything to keep you warm. Daytime temps will range between 55-70F. With rain it can feel even colder.
Portable chairs: it’ll be a long day of protest. Sit and rest as needed.
Food: per SEIU, breakfast and lunch will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Bring extra food, snack and water just in case.
Any other items that make you feel more comfortable and motivated in participating in a strike: sunglasses, masks (yes, someone brought up this idea. They prefer not to be recognized. They are there to strike, not really to social), music (as suggested by SEIU), etc.
Last but not least, encourage as many people to join as possible. Many are still hesitant because they worry about what their managers or colleagues might think, or they simply don't know what to expect. They might withhold their labor, but not participate in person. Share the resources on SEIU’s webpage, the FAQs, flyers, and even past Reddit posts from strike schools. Share pictures with them on the day of the strike. They may change their minds and decide to show up. Some people just need to feel empowered to take action. SEIU also encourages us to bring friends and family members who align with our values.
——
Transportation:
It’s best to take public transportation if that’s an available option for you. If not, try to carpool if possible, or ask a friend or family member to drop you off, as parking is expected to be tight.
Regarding parking: some people are saying you shouldn’t park in state lots if you choose to strike. I’d say go ahead and just park there if you have a spot. Save street spaces for others. Parking ≠ working. You paid to park. They don’t pay you. You’re not badging in by entering a parking structure, and the attendant won’t ask if you’re going on strike.
To find spots at a Sac City garage: https://my.sacpark.org/dcr/
To find spots at a private garage, use the ParkWhiz app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parkwhiz-1-parking-app/id595743376
To find available street parking, use the Park Mobile App : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parkmobile-park-pay-go/id365399299
——
Other Info
Picket lines DO’s and DON’Ts: https://www.seiu1000.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Strike-Dos-and-Donts-v3.pdf
Strike Line RSVP Flyer: https://www.seiu1000.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Strike-Ready-RSVP-Flyer.pdf
Strike Day OOO message (language provided by SEIU):
“I am currently away from work participating in SEIU Local 1000’s Unfair Practice Strike to demand fair bargaining. I will respond when I return.”
Strike Ready Graphic: https://www.seiu1000.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Strike-Ready-Signature.png
Complete strike info, including FAQs, can be found at: https://www.seiu1000.org/strike/
r/CAStateWorkers • u/DrixlRey • 3h ago
r/CAStateWorkers • u/BriefEquipment8 • 5h ago
Does anyone know how I can obtain a t-shirt to wear during the strike? I see some for sale on the SEIU website, but I’m wondering if there any “complimentary” ones available for members.
r/CAStateWorkers • u/Additional-Face-9030 • 5h ago
Anyone know what our options are for a restroom during the strike next Wednesday? I’ve seen we shouldn’t go into state buildings and use their bathrooms. I’m doubtful the businesses around the area will be sympathetic enough to our cause to allow us to use their restrooms. Anyone know what the plan is?!
r/CAStateWorkers • u/Reasonable-Map-6254 • 4h ago
I’m a Supervisor I of staff covered by SEIU. How can I support my employees and the strike?
r/CAStateWorkers • u/lifelover42 • 7h ago
I believe in the strike. I think y’all are treated unfairly and I’m proud of you for standing up for yourselves.
I’m also in a different union and still on probation. My family and I are super dependent on my position and I’ve heard from too many people in my union who don’t trust them to protect us for me to be comfortable sympathy striking while on probation.
I don’t love the look of walking past the picket line and want to show the strikers (and anyone watching from the buildings) that I support them. I was thinking I could bring in snacks, but would that be appreciated or would I get them thrown back at me?
Anything else I can bring or do? And where would be the best place to do this, near downtown?
r/CAStateWorkers • u/thr3000 • 2h ago
Ok, I know the strike is the talk of the town now, but I wanted to mention something I noticed. It was previously discussed that the UHC plans will no longer be available for active members, with many (but not all) being transferred to Sutter HMO:
For those using Sutter previously with UHC, Optum was the behavioral health provider. With Sutter HMO, Carelon is the behavioral health provider. I had noted in a previous post that Carelon appeared to be less robust than Optum:
https://www.reddit.com/r/CAStateWorkers/comments/1w84wmn/comment/p807e99/?context=3
Before open enrollment, for interest I searched a provider and a facility on Carelon's website that were in-network for Optum, and they did not show up as in-network for Carelon. I just searched that same provider and facility today, and they are now showing up in-network for Carelon. Given Sutter HMO/Carelon is going to get a huge boost of members (I believe the two UHC plans had 90,000 members among all CalPERS employers, although I know not all are eligible for Sutter HMO), it looks like Carelon may be beefing up their network in anticipation of the increase in usage of their services. You can search the providers here:
r/CAStateWorkers • u/DeeSt11 • 20h ago
Hi all, I was informed we should not park in any state parking lots on strike day. We really need to NOT use our badges and for anything. Bring snacks/water too. There will be first come, first serve food...but...just in case, bring something. If possible, have someone drop you off, or, park at light rail for free. Edit: this is not a "trust me bro" post. I was just in a union meeting that talked about this at length.
r/CAStateWorkers • u/naillenai • 7h ago
Basically, my division is going through some “re-org”
Yesterday my manager pulled me in a 1 on 1 and basically told me in a bunch of words, our team has too much staff so we’re downsizing, im being moved to our customer service division.
I asked why, all he said was it was a tough decision but they felt I’d be a better fit in customer service and also it would be a great opportunity for me
My manager told me to think it over but I have a week to sign the new duty statement and then in 30 days I start the new job. He said there’s no alternative, I think he implied the other option is not have a job.
Advice? Can they actually do this?
r/CAStateWorkers • u/CurrencyOdd2445 • 2h ago
They have been replacing the carpet in our building… Anyone else getting headaches with in a few hours of being here that get worse as the day goes on? The more time I spend here, the worse it gets. Others on my floor are experiencing the same thing. (Off gassing of carpet? Adhesive? Cleaning products?) Is there anything we can do?
r/CAStateWorkers • u/VariationUpstairs931 • 1d ago
r/CAStateWorkers • u/Res_judipapa • 16h ago
I posted about Solvang City workers striking and rejecting a 6, 5, 4 offer. https://www.reddit.com/r/CAStateWorkers/comments/1wy0hns/comment/pgto8c7/?screen_view_count=1
Someone replied tonight that a deal was reached for 4, 6, 6. I see this story published tonight that says the details will be made public at the end of the month, but the numbers stated by the Redditor are certainly close to something you’d expect.
Caveat is nothing publicly confirms this number, but if correct, another piece of data to consider with the current contract dispute.
r/CAStateWorkers • u/randomlybev • 1d ago
Reminder to delete those apps and not answer the phone if your manager calls on the day of the strike. I’m learning that in this age of technology there are so many other ways to accidentally cross the picket line. Any others people can think of?
r/CAStateWorkers • u/ComplicatedGuy_0514 • 1h ago
I see a position open at this department and would like a testimonial on this department and if it’s worth applying to.
Due to conditions at my current department I may have to jump ship and look for a different job to better suit my needs and the position here seems like a good match.
What are your thoughts on DCSS?
r/CAStateWorkers • u/Real_Carpenter_4413 • 1h ago
Hi I got a contingent job offer. I completed everything at lighting speed but that did not matter. They have pushed my start date back 3x already. Is this normal? How long is the process usually?
