labor1 hour ago
California State Workers Launch First-Ever Statewide Strike Over Contract Disputes
Thousands of California state employees walked off the job on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in the first-ever statewide strike by SEIU Local 1000. The union, representing approximately 100,000 workers, is demanding a 20% pay raise over three years, reduced healthcare costs, and flexible telework policies. The strike follows a contract expiration on June 30 and a failed negotiation period, with the state rejecting key proposals. Essential workers, numbering around 4,400 to 5,000, were exempt from the walkout to maintain public safety and services.