California Governor Gavin Newsom order state workers back to office 4 days a week starting July 1 2026.
This change from hybrid schedule where most work 2 days in office and 3 days remote.
SEIU Local 1000 union represent about 96,000 workers. Union president warn of mass exodus. Many older workers near retirement may quit.
Telework save state up to $225 million a year in costs according to union and some reports.
Lawmakers push bill AB 1729 to force agencies give telework option or explain why not. Bill also want online dashboard show taxpayer savings from remote work.
Newsom say in-person work good for teamwork, new ideas and less lonely feeling. He understand change hard.
Some business groups support it because more people in downtown help local shops and economy.
Original SFGate article on union warning of mass exodus: https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/california-return-to-office-22314184.php
KCRA news report on state workers challenging the mandate: https://www.kcra.com/article/california-state-workers-union-warns-of-mass-exodus-with-newsoms-return-to-office-order-ca-politics-360/71640904
CalMatters article on pushback and bill for telework: https://calmatters.org/newsletter/newsom-return-to-office-telework/