Why Gov. Newsom backtracked on ordering state workers back to the office
Briefly

California's state employees were set to return to the office on July 1 under a new mandate for in-person work at least four days a week. However, after negotiations with public employee unions, this mandate was delayed for a year, relieving many workers. Labor leaders criticized the sudden shift, claiming it was driven by political motives rather than enhancing productivity. Employees had expressed concerns over the executive order from March, which aimed to increase in-office days significantly, prompting union grievances and legal actions against the state government.
The executive order mandated all California state employees to work in person at least four days per week, but public employee unions negotiated a delay for one year.
Labor leaders expressed that the sudden change in the return-to-office policy reflected political motives rather than productivity needs, undermining the governor's previous stance.
Anica Walls, president of SEIU Local 1000, stated that employees perceived the shift towards rigid office policies was motivated by political pressure rather than genuine performance concerns.
Many state workers were anxious about the executive order since March, which would significantly increase the number of in-office workdays for hybrid workers.
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