Newsom Vets Telework Bill, Defends In-Office Mandate Amid Union Strike Threats
Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 1729, which would have allowed state agencies to set their own telework policies and required written justifications for in-office mandates. The veto preserves the current four-day-a-week return-to-office rule for state employees, effective since July 2026. Newsom argued that in-person collaboration is essential for productivity, while supporters cited a 2025 audit showing potential annual savings of $225 million. The veto occurs as SEIU Local 1000, representing 100,000 workers, considers a strike authorization vote over pay and remote work disputes.