Thousands of California state employees walked out on Wednesday and picketed government buildings in several cities, the first strike by their union, SEIU Local 1000, The Guardian reports.
The union represents about 100,000 public workers, including nurses and teachers, and has been without a contract since 30 June. It says Governor Gavin Newsom's administration turned down its main demands: a 20% pay rise over three years, larger state contributions to health cover and flexible remote working. Newsom requires state staff to be in the office four days a week.
The union has also accused the state of bargaining in bad faith in a complaint to the public employment relations board. The state's human resources department reportedly tried to stop the strike on safety grounds; about 5,000 workers classed as essential will keep working. The state has not commented on the talks.
Source: The Guardian
