On June 18, 2026, SEIU Local 1000 held a meet and confer with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) regarding the Return-to-Office (RTO) mandate effective July 1, 2026. The team was able to confirm:
- HCD does not have authority to deviate or implement policy different than the 4 day RTO per the Executive Order (EO)
- Exemptions are limited to Reasonable Accommodations exemptions, 50-mile distance provision. However, management has discretion to consider individual circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
- Management has discretion to permit employee requests to flex remote days, consider requests for additional case-by-case remote work, and to redirect employees to do their work remotely based on specific circumstances such as building/tech issues, weather, etc.
- HCD is implementing the EO, but acknowledges it is unclear what the impact will be in the future. HCD will ensure the mission of the department continues and acknowledges that may require changes if issues arise such as staffing retention, productivity, etc.
- Employees are required to be in office 4 days a week, including AWW and part-time employees
- There is no expectation to make up in office days missed due to approved leave, unless there is a specific business need to do so
- The Call Center unit is exempt
- Employees will generally not be allowed to work remotely in lieu of sick leave, but in rare circumstances, supervisors have discretion to consider the request
- HCD has adequate office space and equipment
- Employees are not expected to return equipment in remote offices
- Field days are considered in office days
- Employees hired 100% remotely are required to comply with the 4 days in office unless they have an individual exemption
- There are no scheduled updates to maintenance or custodial services, however, if the need arises, HCD has a process to communicate the additional needs to DGS
The team made several proposals to HCD 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, HCD 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 a Holding the Line Rally at the Capitol to make our voices heard. Please join us on July 1 as we continue fighting for Telework that Works and the contract state workers deserve.