On June 26, 2026, SEIU Local 1000 held a meet and confer with the Department of Real Estate (DRE) 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. DRE 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, no work groups are exempt based on the nature of the work they do, and that DRE is not tracking or measuring the impact of RTO on collaboration, cohesion, or team building. DRE also confirmed all employees must work 4 days in office, regardless of time base or if on an alternate workweek schedule. DRE also confirmed there are no space allocation issues. Employees will be given individual work areas and the plan is to have sit-stand desks at all work stations. DRE also clarified there is no requirement to make up in office days missed due to approved leave.
The team made several proposals to DRE 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.
However, DRE 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!