Governor Newsom’s return-to-office (RTO) mandate isn’t about improving services – it’s a shortsighted decision that disregards what’s best for workers and the state. We’ve proven that remote and hybrid work increase productivity, save taxpayers millions, and help recruit and retain talent. Yet, instead of building on these successes, the administration is pushing unnecessary commutes that disrupt workers’ lives.
That’s why we’ve taken legal action – because this mandate violates our collective bargaining rights under the Dills Act and disregards our contract. The state cannot impose changes without bargaining, and we are challenging this unlawful action.
Even the state’s own budget reports contradict the need for this mandate. In 2022, California eliminated 767,000 square feet of office space, saving $22.5 million per year due to reduced in-office staffing. That same report projected that expanding telework could save the state $85 million annually over three years. Additionally, a 2023 Government Accountability Office report found that telework expands the hiring pool and helps fill vacancies – something every state agency is struggling with. Read links to these reports on our website and stay updated on our latest efforts at seiu1000.org/RTO.
And while we fight RTO, we’re also fighting to secure our full 4% raise. State workers shouldn’t be left in limbo – we need certainty about our pay. We won’t back down until every state worker gets the full 4% we deserve. Visit seiu1000.org/RTO to take action and stay involved.
This Is Why Membership Matters
We win these fights because members stand together. The more of us who join, the stronger our voice. Together, we win!
Thanks for the fight!
Thank you for fighting for the right to remote/telework. We need to see more of that within CDCR!
Thanks for your effort to stop RTO and keep faithing for 4%
Say NO to RTO!
Some of us came to state work later in life from the private sector to make a difference in the lives of Californians. I will not benefit from the state retirement and frankly, the benefits are not that good. I barely make enough as an AGPA to live month to month while telecommuting. We will be forced to reallocate money to cover the cost of gas, parking, child care and other unnamed expenses. Don’t try and revitalize the economy in downtown Sacramento on the backs of underpaid state employees. The country is heading down the path of an economic downturn that will rival the great depression. Please help us.
Teleworking is good for the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Telework saves State workers money and improves work/life balance. Furthermore, telework helps prevent crime committed on State workers and their property like vehicles and/or other modes of transportation while commuting to and from downtown. EDD will be moving to the old, Natural Resources building soon, which will be unable to house all the EDD workers simultaneously. Some other State workers may be similarly situated. Be green. Continue telework!
No to arbitrary RTO!
EVEN CALTRANS EQUIPMENT CAN WORK REMOTELY!!
Remote-controlled heavy equipment answer to unstable Highway 1 rebuild
Repairs to Regent’s Slide are now being bolstered by the introduction of remote-controlled heavy equipment
By: Kelly Wollschlager
Posted 5:19 PM, May 06, 2025
With movement around the landslide on Highway 1 repair site, Caltrans is now taking a new, modern approach to road building: remote-controlled bulldozers.
Caltrans shared this post on X recently to show their progress:
Two remote-controlled bulldozers and one excavator are working in tandem with traditional equipment to advance repairs at Regent’s Slide on Hwy. 1. Remote-controlled rigs are able to traverse areas of the still active slide where it may otherwise be unsafe for crews to operate. pic.twitter.com/0uSYWTtXBq
— Caltrans District 5 (@CaltransD5) April 29, 2025
With the “Regent’s Slide” site moving about a foot a day, bulldozer and excavator operators have been trained to use the remote-controlled equipment on Highway 1, so it can perform under adverse conditions that may otherwise not be safe for crews to operate.
Caltrans continues to perform daily assessments to determine if it is safe to conduct repair work.
Given these conditions, the introduction of remote-controlled equipment allowed Caltrans to take more risk than would be advisable.
Repairs to Regent’s Slide are now expected to keep Highway 1 in this area closed through summer 2025.
Going into office is NOT feasible as too much distractions and noise, esp when one is in meetings and trainings, cubes next is so loud – its disturbing and staff often walking up to your desk, takes away from your work.