California Gov. Gavin Newsom is directing state agencies to prepare for most employees to work in person at least four days a week beginning July 1, despite ongoing pushback from labor unions and questions around office capacity, according to The Sacramento Bee.
In a letter sent to cabinet secretaries this week, Newsom said departments should move forward with the return-to-office policy “to the maximum extent feasible” and fill all available workstations at least four days per week. The administration said 98% of departments have enough space to support the shift, though some employees may continue hybrid schedules where office shortages remain.
Unions Escalate Legal Fight Over Telework
The mandate has triggered renewed conflict with public-sector unions representing state employees.
This week, SEIU Local 1000 filed an unfair practice charge alleging the state abandoned negotiations and plans to impose the policy without proper bargaining. The union argues the administration is limiting discussions over work location, schedules, and telework rules.
Several unions raised similar legal challenges last year after Newsom first announced the policy. The original July 2025 deadline was later delayed following negotiations tied to state budget cuts and employee leave concessions.
Union leaders also questioned whether agencies are operationally prepared for a larger in-office workforce, citing concerns around desk availability, shared workstations, and building conditions.
Hybrid Work Still Common Across State Workforce
The Governor’s Office said most state employees already work in person at least four days per week, although less than half of the overall workforce is eligible for remote work.
State officials continue to argue that more in-person work improves collaboration, mentoring, communication, and accountability. The administration also said agencies should avoid rotational schedules that allow employees to work remotely more than one day per week.
