2026 Contract Campaign
We’re getting ready for one of the most important moments we face as state workers: negotiating our next contract in 2026. What we fight for and win will impact our pay, benefits, working conditions, telework, safety, and more.
This is our contract. Our voices matter. And we need every member standing together from the very beginning.
SEIU Local 1000 filed an Unfair Practice Charge on Wednesday, July 22 alleging the State failed to bargain fairly over wages, benefits and working conditions for the state workers who keep California running
Our Bargaining Team brought forward proposals to improve pay, lower healthcare costs, maintain telework protections and address other issues that matter to state workers. Instead of seriously bargaining those proposals, the State delayed negotiations, rejected many of them all at once and relied on last year’s Side Letter as a reason not to negotiate this year’s economic proposals.
The State has repeatedly claimed there isn’t enough money to improve pay and benefits for state workers. But this year’s budget set aside billions for future spending and continues outsourcing civil service work to contractors across the state — all while claiming there’s no money for fair pay and affordable healthcare. We believe those actions show the State never intended to bargain fairly over pay, benefits and other issues that matter to state workers.
This charge isn’t about forcing the State to accept every Union proposal. It’s about holding the State accountable to its legal obligation to bargain fairly by seriously considering proposals, making meaningful counteroffers and negotiating.
Our members came to the table ready to bargain. We expect the State to do the same. Until then, we’ll continue using every legal, contractual and collective action available to hold the State accountable and fight for the Contract we deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the no-strike clause in our Contract mean we can never strike?
Our Contract includes a no-strike clause, but we still have a legal right to strike in certain circumstances including when the State commits an unfair labor practice (ULP) like refusing to bargain in good faith.
When are we going on strike?
No strike has been called yet. We’re still bargaining because we believe the State should have every opportunity to do the right thing and reach a fair Contract before the legislative session ends on August 30. But if the State continues refusing to bargain fairly, we’re prepared to use every tool legally available to us, including a strike, if that’s what it takes.
Will I get paid during a strike? Can I use my vacation or sick leave?
Workers are not eligible to receive pay, leave or unemployment for a strike action. While Local 1000 has a strike fund, those funds will never be sufficient to replace worker wage levels. Members should know that going on strike is powerful, but it requires sacrifice, and members should think about that and plan ahead.
Do we have a strike fund?
Yes. SEIU Local 1000 has a strike fund, but it’s important to understand that the strike fund is not intended to replace workers’ wages during a strike. Going on strike is a financial sacrifice, and members should think about that and plan ahead.
Do I get to vote on a strike before it happens?
Strikes must be approved initially by the Union but also by a majority vote of the affected group of members who vote. That vote will take place before we call for a strike.
Can I go on strike if I’m an essential worker?
If a strike is authorized, the Union will tell members if any employees or positions are excluded from participation, but you can assume you’re eligible to participate unless you’re told otherwise. There is a difference between being “essential” in the everyday or even in a “pandemic” sense and being legally excluded from a strike. Only those whose work for a particular day/days would create an imminent and substantial threat to public health or safety are designated as an essential employee during a strike. Union leadership and our legal team will work directly with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) to resolve any questions about which positions, if any, meet that high standard. If any employees/positions are determined to be excluded from a strike, those workers will be notified directly.
How are you fighting for my classification?
We know every bargaining unit has unique priorities and concerns. Your Bargaining Unit Chair is the expert on your unit’s proposals, where things stand in bargaining and the issues affecting your classification. Find your Bargaining Unit Updates and get in touch with your unit for specific questions affecting your classification: www.seiu1000.org/2026contract/#find-your-bu
Can I strike if I'm still on probation or a temporary employee?
Yes. Probationary and temporary employees have the same legal right to participate in a lawful strike as permanent employees. If there are clear instances of unlawful retaliation because you exercised your rights, the Union will fight to protect your rights under the contract or at PERB. That said, we understand that being on probation can make participating feel especially intimidating. Remember that there are many ways to be involved. You can attend statewide and worksite actions, help organize your coworkers, join our CAT Team and build support in your worksite. Every action helps strengthen our union.
GET INVOLVED AT UPCOMING EVENTS
Master Table Updates
July 30, 2026
Many members have asked what happens now that our Contract expired 30 days ago. The answer is simple: bargaining continues.
Our bargaining team is still at the table, but the State is refusing to bargain fairly. That’s why last week SEIU Local 1000 filed another Unfair Practice Charge alleging the State failed to bargain fairly over wages, benefits and working conditions. Our bargaining team continues to hold the line on the proposals state workers deserve, including a 20% General Salary Increase over three years: 7% in 2026, 7% in 2027, and 6% in 2028. While negotiations continue at the table, we’re also using every available legal tool to hold the State accountable for failing to bargain in good faith.
One thing that’s unique about bargaining for California state workers is that our Contract doesn’t just get negotiated with the State. It also has to be approved by the California Legislature before it can take effect.
The Legislature returns on August 3 and adjourns for the year on August 30. If the State chooses to bargain fairly, there’s still time for the Legislature to approve a new Contract this year. But if the State continues rejecting our proposals and refusing to bargain fairly, our bargaining team will not agree to a Contract. Bargaining will continue beyond August 30, legislative approval would move to the 2027 legislative session, and we’ll keep fighting until the State comes to the table ready to negotiate a fair agreement.
We’ll continue sharing bargaining updates whenever there are meaningful developments from the bargaining table. Until then, thank you for continuing to organize your coworkers, build our power and take collective action as we fight for the contract state workers deserve. Be sure to sign up for upcoming actions using the links below.
📹 Hear Updates Directly from Our Chief Negotiator
Read Past Updates Below:
Master Table Update: July 23, 2026
July 23, 2026Another week of bargaining has come and gone. While we've reached a few additional...
SEIU Local 1000 Files Unfair Practice Charge – July 22, 2026
SEIU Local 1000 filed an Unfair Practice Charge on Wednesday, July 22 alleging the State failed to...
Master Table Update: July 16, 2026
July 16, 2026Over the past two weeks, our bargaining team has continued meeting with the State at...
Master Table Update: July 9, 2026
July 9, 2026📹 Hear Updates Directly from Our Chief NegotiatorOur bargaining team is still at the...
Master Table Update: June 30, 2026
June 30, 2026📹 Hear Updates Directly from Our Chief NegotiatorToday, just hours before our...
Master Table Update: June 25, 2026
June 25, 2026 With our current contract set to expire on June 30, our bargaining team continues...
Are you ready to step up and get involved? Check out our Contract Action Center webpage for the latest news on all our upcoming actions. The Contract Action Center compiles key resources to stay informed and engaged from bargaining updates to upcoming CAT meetings to information on our last contract and more!
The Bargaining Survey Results Are In!
A record number of members across our union weighed in on what we should fight for in our next contract. Your participation makes one thing clear: we’re ready to fight for what we deserve!
Based on your feedback, we’ve identified the top priorities for our 2026 Contract Campaign.
Here are the key issues that we’ll be fighting for:
✓ Fair Pay
Wages that reflect the vital work we do and ensure every state employee can support their family as the cost of living rises.
✓ Secure Retirement
Safeguard reliable benefits that allow every state employee to retire with dignity.
✓ Affordable Healthcare
Accessible, quality healthcare that state employees and their families depend on.
✓ Telework That Works
Transparent telework policies that support both telework and on-site staff who don’t have the option to work remotely.
Bargaining Unit 1
Unit 1 encompasses a diverse range of professional roles, including accounting officers, auditors, and departmental analysts led by Bargaining Unit Chair, Susan Rodriguez.
Click here for Unit 1 Bargaining Updates
Contact your Bargaining Unit at [email protected]
Bargaining Unit 3
Bargaining Unit 3 includes professional educators and librarians, such as teachers, librarians, and education consultants led by Bargaining Unit Chair, Bob Holtz.
Click here for Unit 3 Bargaining Updates
Contact your unit at [email protected]
Bargaining Unit 4
Unit 4 comprises office and allied workers, including office assistants, secretaries, and data entry staff led by Bargaining Unit Chair, Karen Jefferies.
Click here for Unit 4 Bargaining Updates
Contact your unit at [email protected]
Bargaining Unit 11
Unit 11 comprises of engineering and scientific technicians led by Bargaining Unit Chair, Albert Manfredini.
Click here for Unit 11 Bargaining Updates
Contact your unit at [email protected]
Bargaining Unit 14
Unit 14 includes employees at the Office of State Publishing as well as printers and graphic artists throughout the state led by Bargaining Unit Chair, Robert Vega.
Click here for Unit 14 Bargaining Updates
Contact your unit at [email protected]
Bargaining Unit 15
Unit 15 includes civil service custodians, laundry workers, supervising cooks, and food services workers led by Bargaining Unit Chair, Eric Murray.
Click here for Unit 15 Bargaining Updates
Contact your unit at [email protected]
Bargaining Unit 17
Unit 17 comprises of registered nurses led by Bargaining Unit Chair, Vanessa Seastrong.
Click here for Unit 17 Bargaining Updates
Contact your unit at [email protected]
Bargaining Unit 20
Unit 20 comprises of medical and social services specialists led by Bargaining Unit Chair, Heather Markovich.
Click here for Unit 20 Bargaining Updates
Contact your unit at [email protected]
Bargaining Unit 21
Unit 21 comprises of educational consultants and librarians led by Bargaining Unit Chair, Bobby Roy.
Click here for Unit 21 Bargaining Updates
Contact your unit at [email protected]
Contract Action Team (CAT)
Our power at the bargaining table starts in our worksites. It’s going to take thousands of SEIU Local 1000 members taking collective action to win the raises and workplace improvements that we deserve. We can only make that happen with leaders at every worksite across CA!
By signing up for the Contract Action Team (CAT), you’re committing to attend monthly CAT meetings and help lead at your worksite throughout the contract campaign.
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