Strike Voting Ended October 7th
Members Voted YES to Authorize Unfair Practice Strike
SEIU Local 1000 members voted to authorize an Unfair Practice Strike in response to the State’s alleged bad-faith bargaining. And for the first time in our union’s history, we will go on strike. The strike will take place on Wednesday, October 21.
Why are we considering a strike?
The State failed to bargain fairly over the priorities state workers brought to the table during Contract negotiations.
An Unfair Practice Strike responds to the State’s alleged bad-faith bargaining and demands that the State bargain fairly.
FIRST, vote on an Unfair Practice Strike! THEN, sign our commitment form to strike with your fellow state workers. Voting is only open to members and begins September 9 and ends October 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are we going on strike?
Our Unfair Practice Strike will take place Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
How long will the strike last?
This will be a one-day strike on Wednesday, October 21 and if you do participate, you will not report to work that day.
Can my job be impacted if I go on strike?
A lawful Unfair Practice Strike is protected concerted activity, and management may not lawfully retaliate against employees for protected participation. Contact the Union immediately if you receive any threat, discipline, or notice related to strike activity.
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.
What is the strike fund used for if it doesn’t cover our wages?
Our strike fund can help cover strike-related expenses, including legal costs if members face retaliation or other consequences for participating in a lawful strike. The fund is not intended to replace members’ regular wages while they are on strike.
Can I go on strike if I’m an essential worker?
Our 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 employees or positions whose absence for the particular day or days of the strike would create an imminent and substantial threat to public health or safety may be designated as an essential employee during a strike. If any employees/positions are determined to be excluded from a strike, those workers will be notified directly.
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 unfair practice 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.
Will our pension, retirement, or medical benefits be affected if we go on strike?
Striking is legally protected and does not result in a break in benefits coverage. There would be no impact to your pension or other post-employment benefits because of our Union going on strike.
Do you have flyers we can post in our office?
Yes! Click this link to download and print flyers to distribute at your worksite!
What happens after we strike? What are we hoping will happen?
Do we need to call in to work on Strike Day to let our manager know that we're striking?
Individual members are not required to give notice to their employer in order to participate in a strike. Our union will clearly communicate any planned strike with the State prior to any action taking place.
For those with mobility limitations who can't stand or march for hours at a picket, will there be any accommodations for us to participate in pickets if there's a strike?
We want all members to be able to participate, including members with disabilities or physical limitations. We’ll provide more information about strike activities and options for participation as plans are finalized.
Can employees on State travel participate in a strike?
- Employees who are on previously authorized State travel and who are not designated as essential/line-pass employees may participate in the strike. They should notify their supervisor that they will not perform work during the strike period, but should not independently cancel or alter State-paid travel arrangements or assume State travel expenses personally.
- If the authorized travel began before the strike and continues after the strike day, employees should not be expected to absorb hotel, rental-car, airfare, parking, rebooking, or other travel costs that result from the State-authorized trip. Any changes to lodging, rental cars, airfare, or the travel itinerary should be directed by the department. Employees should retain receipts and documentation.
- Employees who are striking should not perform incidental work on the strike day—such as checking email, attending meetings or training, driving to a work event, or performing other job duties—simply because they are already on travel. They should generally be treated as striking for that day, subject only to necessary travel logistics and reasonable directions concerning State property or the itinerary.
- Employees should not expect to claim meals or per diem for the strike day itself, because they are not performing work that day. That does not mean they become responsible for the underlying State travel costs created by an authorized trip that began before the strike and continues afterward.
View & Download Our FAQ Flyer Here!
STEP ONE: STRIKE VOTE
VOTING ENDED WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7th
Need Help Voting In Person?
If you’d like assistance casting your electronic vote, we’re here to help!
Starting September 16, voting kiosks will be available at each of our SEIU Local 1000 offices, where staff and members will be on-site to help you cast your vote.
⏰ Voting Hours:
Monday – Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Thursday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
STEP TWO: COMMITMENT FORM
Show Your Solidarity!
Purple Up with our Zoom backgrounds for desktop and mobile. Just click, download, and set!
Desktop Backgrounds
Mobile Backgrounds – Zoom
Mobile Backgrounds – General
