Tens of thousands of California state workers initiated a one-day strike on Wednesday, potentially delaying services for Irvine residents at state-run offices, including the Department of Motor Vehicles. The statewide action, organized by SEIU Local 1000, affects government operations across California.
SEIU Local 1000, which represents 100,000 government employees, reported that 96.2% of its voting members approved the strike. This action occurs before Governor Gavin Newsom concludes his current term in January.
Union President Anica Walls stated in a video message that “State workers have spoken loud and clear,” with the union adding that the strike is “in response to the state’s alleged bad-faith bargaining.” The union has been engaged in an ongoing dispute with the Newsom administration concerning wages, benefits, and remote work policies. The administration's refusal to alter a return-to-office order sparked a notable reaction from state unions. The previous contract for these workers expired on June 30 and has not yet been replaced.
In response to the strike, a spokesperson for the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) informed The California Post that “CalHR remains ready to sit down anytime with the union to negotiate a fair and responsible agreement.” The department emphasized that “The state remains focused on protecting the critical and essential services that Californians rely on.”
Irvine residents should anticipate potential service delays at DMV locations, as well as state unemployment and disability insurance offices, according to Walls. She urged Californians “to give our employees some grace” and advised that if services are limited at a DMV office, individuals should consider making an appointment for another day.
Approximately 5,000 state workers are legally excluded from participating in the strike. Their absence, according to the union, “would create an imminent and substantial threat to public health or safety.” This Wednesday walkout marks the first time SEIU Local 1000 has gone on strike. The union last initiated a strike vote in 2016, but a labor agreement was reached before the scheduled walkout commenced.
While striking workers are expected to demonstrate in various cities across California, including Sacramento, Oakland, Fresno, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Norwalk, and San Bernardino, Irvine is not listed among the locations with planned strike lines for this event.
The union and CalHR are scheduled to meet for mediation on October 30 to continue negotiations.
