SEIU Local 1000 filed an Unfair Practice Charge on Wednesday, July 22 alleging the State failed to bargain fairly over wages, benefits and working conditions for the state workers who keep California running
Our Bargaining Team brought forward proposals to improve pay, lower healthcare costs, maintain telework protections and address other issues that matter to state workers. Instead of seriously bargaining those proposals, the State delayed negotiations, rejected many of them all at once and relied on last year’s Side Letter as a reason not to negotiate this year’s economic proposals.
The State has repeatedly claimed there isn’t enough money to improve pay and benefits for state workers. But this year’s budget set aside billions for future spending and continues outsourcing civil service work to contractors across the state — all while claiming there’s no money for fair pay and affordable healthcare. We believe those actions show the State never intended to bargain fairly over pay, benefits and other issues that matter to state workers.
This charge isn’t about forcing the State to accept every Union proposal. It’s about holding the State accountable to its legal obligation to bargain fairly by seriously considering proposals, making meaningful counteroffers and negotiating.
Our members came to the table ready to bargain. We expect the State to do the same. Until then, we’ll continue using every legal, contractual and collective action available to hold the State accountable and fight for the Contract we deserve.
As we continue putting pressure on the State, we invite you to attend Strike School and join statewide informational pickets to show the State that we will continue fighting for what we deserve.
In solidarity,
SEIU Local 1000