SEIU files legal actions to challenge exective order to return to office in California
(FOX40.COM) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on March 3 directing state workers to return to office four days a week by July.Video above: Community reacts to orders for California workers to return to office
The president of SEIU Local 1000 Anica Walls is part of the group who opposed this executive order. She said, 'Governor Newsom's decision to force state workers back into the office four days a week is out of touch, unnecessary, and a step backward. State employees kept this state running through the pandemic, proving that remote and hybrid work increase productivity, improve work-life balance, and make state jobs more competitive – all while saving taxpayer dollars.'
Governor Newsom orders California state workers to return to office
On March 5, SEIU filed an Unfair Practice Charge with the Public Employment Relations Board standing together with Professional Engineers in California Government workers as they legal action against the executive order on employees going back to in-person.
According to the SEIU website, this filing is a direct challenge to an unlawful mandate that violated members of their rights under the Dills Act.
The Ralph C. Dills Act
The act grants state employees the right to belong to organizations that serve as their exclusive representatives in contractual negotiations over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.
Legislative Analys Office Collective Bargaining
SEIU said in a statement that they are demanding PERB to rescind the order immediately and to return the decision-making on telework and return-to-work policies to the departments. On March 12, workers from across the state will be protesting in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Fresno, and San Francisco.
Communications Director with SEIU Local 1000, Amber Rich, said, 'We're not alone – other unions are standing with us because this affects all state workers. We fought hard for telework options, and we won't let them be taken away without a fight.'
The protest is set to start at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday in front of the State of California Human Resources office.
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