California’s Largest State Workers Union Plans One-Day Strike, Threatening DMV and Unemployment Services

Tens of thousands of California state workers, represented by SEIU Local 1000, intend to walk off the job this Wednesday in a one-day strike, the union’s first statewide action in its 44-year history. The protest targets the Newsom administration’s bargaining approach, demanding higher wages, better health coverage and more flexible remote-work options after recent budget-driven wage cuts. Approximately 95,000 employees across dozens of agencies—including accountants, nurses, IT staff and custodians—are expected to join, while roughly 5,000 workers in essential health and safety positions are barred from striking.

Public-facing services such as DMV offices, the Employment Development Department’s unemployment benefits and CalFresh food assistance could see reduced hours or early closures, and state parks like Hearst Castle have already adjusted visitor schedules. Union president Anica Walls urges Californians to be patient and reschedule appointments if needed. The state’s labor board recently found CalHR had acted in bad faith, and both sides are slated for mediation on Oct. 30, with the union warning of possible further action if negotiations stall.