Californians with errands at the DMV, an unemployment office or a CalFresh office on Wednesday, Oct. 21, may run into delays. SEIU Local 1000, the state's largest public employee union, plans a one-day statewide strike, CalMatters reported Tuesday.
It would be the first statewide walkout in the union's 44 years. Local 1000 represents about 100,000 state workers in dozens of agencies, from accountants and analysts to nurses, IT staff and custodians. About 95,000 of them are eligible to strike; roughly 5,000 in health care and public safety roles are barred because their absence would threaten public health or safety, according to the union.
The union can still call off the strike before Wednesday.
What could be affected
A DMV spokesperson told CalMatters that services could be delayed and some offices might close early, depending on which employees walk out. The same applies to unemployment benefits through the Employment Development Department and to CalFresh food assistance. State parks could also see changes even though rangers are not in Local 1000; Hearst Castle has adjusted its tour schedule for visitors with reservations.
Union president Anica Walls asked the public for patience. "If you happen to go to the DMV office and the services are limited, make an appointment for another day," she said.
Members plan demonstrations in more than a dozen cities, including Oakland and San Francisco, along with a march in Sacramento.
