On June 26, 2026, SEIU Local 1000 held a meet and confer with the Department of Conservation (DOC) regarding the Return-to-Office (RTO) mandate effective July 1, 2026. The team was able to confirm exemptions for medical or Reasonable Accommodations as well as if an employee’s address was 50 miles or more from their worksite and had a mutually agreeable telework policy in place as of March 2025. DOC confirmed they will also consider other requests on a case-by-case basis.
The team was also able to clarify field days for field staff count as in office days. DOC is not tracking or measuring the impact of RTO on collaboration, cohesion, or team building. There are several offices that have delayed implementation due to workspace needs, including the Bonderson building. In addition, many offices outside of Sacramento are still in the process of addressing space needs, and more specifics are to come.
The team made several proposals to DOC regarding full-time telework, parking, safe access, and commute assistance. The department confirmed they would consider and follow up at a later date during a follow-up meeting. Additionally, there are several other items that require follow-up and further clarification to address at this meeting.
However, DOC confirmed they intend to move forward with 4 days in office, per the Governor’s mandate.
In response to the RTO mandate and what is happening at the bargaining table, SEIU Local 1000 is planning Informational Pickets across California to hold the line and fight for a fair contract. Find a local action and make your voice heard!