California state workers are pushing back against a new order from Governor Gavin Newsom that requires them to return to the office. This change comes after more than two years of remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many state employees are unhappy about the return, citing concerns over commuting costs and parking issues.
During the pandemic, remote work became the norm for many, with the percentage of U.S. workers working from home rising from just 7% in 2019 to 61% at the height of the crisis. Currently, about 35% of workers still work from home, and many companies have adopted hybrid work schedules. However, Newsom’s directive is asking California state employees to return to their offices, albeit with the option to work from home one day a week.
State workers have expressed their frustrations through protests, arguing that they should continue to have the option to work remotely. They already receive competitive salaries and benefits compared to private-sector workers, yet they feel that returning to the office is unfair, especially since many private-sector employees have already adjusted to this requirement.
Assemblyman Josh Hoover, who represents a significant number of state workers, commented that the return to office will increase traffic congestion for those already commuting. He also highlighted the high costs associated with maintaining state office buildings and suggested that some of these spaces could be repurposed for housing.
One of the challenges for state workers is that it is difficult to terminate government employees for poor performance. Unlike the private sector, where employers can easily let go of unproductive workers, state employees enjoy protections that make it harder to dismiss them. This has raised questions about how productivity will be monitored for those working from home.
The situation has sparked legal challenges from public employee unions. One union, representing engineers, has claimed that the governor did not properly consult with them before issuing the return-to-office order. This has led to confusion about whether the state can require employees to return to the office without union consent.
In the meantime, some state departments are delaying their return-to-office plans. For instance, the California Department of Education has postponed its requirement for employees to return until the end of 2025, responding to employee pushback.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the state will balance employee preferences with the need for in-person work. The situation highlights the complexities of managing public sector work in a post-pandemic world, where many employees are still adjusting to the new normal.