On June 29, 2026, SEIU Local 1000 held a meet and confer with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) regarding the Return-to-Office (RTO) mandate effective July 1, 2026. CRD stated that the Riverside offices will need to employ a hoteling workstation arrangement for the time being as there are space allocation issues. In addition, the Fresno office will come in 3 days per week until workspace arrangements can be made. Both require further follow-ups to determine the timelines and specific details.
The team was able to confirm exemptions for medical or Reasonable Accommodations as well as if an employee’s address was 50 miles or more from their worksite and had a mutually agreeable telework policy in place as of March 2025. CRD confirmed they will also consider other requests on a case-by-case basis.
The team was also able to clarify field days for field staff count as in office days, no work groups are exempt based on the nature of the work they do, and CRD is not tracking or measuring the impact of RTO on collaboration, cohesion, or team building. CRD also confirmed all employees must work 4 days in office, regardless of time base or if on an alternate workweek schedule.
The team made several proposals to CRD regarding full-time telework, parking, safe access, and commute assistance. The department confirmed they would consider and follow up at a later date during a follow-up meeting. Additionally, there are several other items that require follow-up and further clarification to address at this meeting.
However, CRD confirmed they intend to move forward with 4 days in office, per the Governor’s mandate.
In response to the RTO mandate and what is happening at the bargaining table, SEIU Local 1000 is planning Informational Pickets across California to hold the line and fight for a fair contract. Find a local action and make your voice heard!