June 4, 2026
The fight for our next contract is underway. What happens at Master Table bargaining will impact the nearly 100,000 state workers across California represented by SEIU Local 1000. Here’s what you need to know: for months, we’ve heard excuses about why state workers should settle for less. But state revenues are coming in billions of dollars higher than projected, which means California has the resources to invest in the workforce that keeps our state running. That’s why our bargaining team is demanding that the State finally make state workers a budget priority. As Bargaining Unit 14 Chair Robert Vega put it, “Here at SEIU Local 1000, we will not be divided.”
📹 Hear Updates Directly from Our Chief Negotiator
Fighting For Fair Pay
Our bargaining team advanced a proposal that would deliver 20% in General Salary Increases over the next three years:
- 7% in 2026
- 7% in 2027
- and 6% in 2028
With California’s financial picture stronger than expected, we all have to fight to ensure state workers share in the State’s success.
We also introduced two entirely new compensation proposals: a Seniority Pay Differential, which would provide additional pay based on years of state service, and a Degree Pay Differential to provide additional pay for employees who have earned college degrees. These proposals are designed to ensure that all state workers benefit from the strong General Salary Increases we’re fighting for, while also rewarding experience, encouraging retention and recognizing the skills and education workers bring to public service.
Our team also advanced proposals that would:
- Increase bilingual pay differentials
- Increase night shift pay differentials
- Provide additional compensation for employees in higher-cost areas and
- Increase pay for employees working in facilities facing ongoing staffing challenges
Lowering Healthcare Costs & Protecting Workers
Our bargaining team also advanced proposals to increase State contributions toward healthcare costs and new solutions for employees in rural communities who often face limited healthcare options and higher out-of-pocket costs.
Our bargaining team advanced 38 proposals aimed at improving the lives of state workers and their families. From stronger workplace safety protections to disability accommodations and additional paid holidays, our team is fighting for a contract we deserve. We also pushed back against State “takeaway” proposals that would take away existing contract protections and move us backward.
Fighting For Telework
This week, our bargaining team advanced a package of telework and return-to-office proposals that would require the State to demonstrate, by clear and compelling evidence, why an employee is unable to perform the essential duties and functions of their job 100% remotely. Telework decisions should be based on operational needs, not politics, and should support a more modern, efficient government through flexible telework policies.
Our team also proposed stipends aimed at offsetting the costs imposed on employees who are required to report in person. Whether you work remotely or in person, our message is simple: we’re fighting for telework that works for state employees, taxpayers and the Californians we serve.
The State has the resources. Now it’s time to invest in the workforce that keeps California running.
Watch your inbox every Thursday for the latest Master Table Bargaining Updates with key developments from the bargaining table and opportunities to take action. Together, we’ll keep the pressure on and fight for the contract state workers deserve.