California Workers Funded by Taxpayers Vote to Strike

A significant labor union declared that its members, who are paid by taxpayers, voted in favor of a one-day strike as talks with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office reached an impasse. This strike is scheduled amidst demands for salary hikes, including a 7% increase for this year, another 7% in 2027, and an additional 6% in 2028, totaling 20% over three years.

Approximately 96.2% of the members of SEIU Local 1000, which comprises around 100,000 workers, approved the strike, claiming that state officials engaged in bad faith bargaining. Worksite strike locations are planned in major cities including Sacramento, Oakland, Los Angeles, and San Diego, with activities commencing at 7 a.m. on October 21. Union president Anica Walls emphasized the need for fair negotiations, as previous proposals have been rejected by the Newsom administration.