July 23, 2026
Another week of bargaining has come and gone. While we’ve reached a few additional tentative agreements that improve working conditions, the State still refuses to move on the issues that matter most to state workers.
Today marks 23 days since our Contract expired. Under the Dills Act, the California law that governs collective bargaining for state employees, our current wages, benefits and working conditions remain in effect while bargaining continues. But that doesn’t mean the fight is over. Every day without a new Contract is another day we’re waiting for the fair pay, affordable healthcare and telework protections state workers deserve.
Our bargaining team continues fighting for a 20% General Salary Increase over three years — 7% in 2026, 7% in 2027 and 6% in 2028 — along with affordable healthcare and telework that works. The State has rejected those proposals, even as California has brought in billions more revenue than originally projected.
Bargaining is still underway, and our team will continue pressing the State to reach a fair agreement. At the same time, we’re continuing to organize because every strong contract is backed by a strong, engaged membership.
Every state worker who attends Strike School, joins a Picket, talks with a coworker or becomes a member strengthens our bargaining position. When we stand together in solidarity and take collective action, we build the power needed to win the fair Contract state workers deserve.