California Governor Newsom Orders State Workers Back to Office, Faces Union Backlash
California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order requiring state employees to return to the office for at least four days a week, starting July 1, 2026. This decision has sparked significant backlash from unions representing state workers, including SEIU Local 1000 and CAPS UAW, who argue that the mandate violates labor agreements and disregards the benefits of telework. The unions have filed complaints with the Public Employment Relations Board, citing the state's refusal to negotiate over telework conditions. Newsom's order follows a previous mandate from 2024 that required two days of in-person work, which was later expanded. The governor's office maintains that most departments have adequate space to accommodate the return, and the transition is aimed at maximizing office presence. 
