California state employees have successfully delayed Gov. Gavin Newsom's policy requiring four-day in-office work, securing a one-year suspension through union negotiations. This shift follows an independent audit confirming productivity levels while working from home, strengthening the labor stance on telework. Union leaders express optimism for future bargaining opportunities regarding remote work. However, concerns arise as some individuals warn that utilizing telework discussions may shift power dynamics away from government control and impact future negotiations with state employees.
"Now we actually have an audit that backs up what we have been saying," said Susan Rodriguez, the chief negotiator for SEIU Local 1000. Auditors surveyed departments, many of which reported their employees were just as or more productive working from home, which Rodriguez said the union has been touting all along. Telework 'saves money for the state so they can use it towards more meaningful programs,' she said.
Michael Genest, a former finance director under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, warned that by using telework as a bargaining chip, Newsom has forever altered negotiations.
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