State workers vote "Yes"

Updated 9:30 a.m., August 3
SEIU members approve strike authorization by 74 percent margin; Members to step up pressure on governor to ratify our contract 
By an overwhelming majority, SEIU Local 1000 state workers have shown their outrage at the governor and his attacks on state employees and the services we provide.  In votes from state offices throughout California, 74 percent authorized their union officers to call job actions up to and including a strike if necessary in order to ensure that the contract we signed with the governor's representatives in February is passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"This is about our contract," SEIU President Yvonne Walker said Saturday. "Whether it is through litigation, negotiations or any other actions that are necessary, we're in this for the long-haul to right this wrong to our members.  We negotiated in good faith, we have offered cost-saving solutions, and we need our contract to be ratified."

"We wouldn't be in this situation if the governor had lived up to his word and supported the contract that he agreed to, which would save the state $340 million," Walker added. "Instead of showing leadership, he has tried to use state workers as pawns in his political games. Our members have sent a message that we are not going to stand by and let him hurt California, our families and ruin the quality public services we provide."