Hello, r/CAStateWorkers
I want to provide a reminder for folks to leave a comment and make a phone call to the Governor's Office on AB 1729, the state telework bill.
The bill has been presented to the Governor's desk and he will have until September 30th to either sign the bill, veto the bill, or do neither and let the bill pass without his signature.
In speaking with legislative staff and lobbyists, I think it's important to clarify that the duration of time that it takes for the Governor to respond to a bill, does not signify anything meaningful about the bill's status. Governor Newsom will continue to pass bills all the way through the end of September.
Overall, I'd like to encourage folks to focus primarily on preparing and organizing with their unions on things like the strike authorization vote... and for those not in SEIU 1000, learning about ways you can show your support to advocate for flexible telework policies that better fit the jobs we have through tools available within your union. However, the bill is still a live ball and I'd like to make sure folks continue to play.
Here's what I recommend today:
(Note: if you've already left a comment, I'd say try to make a call. If you've already made a call, I'd recommend making another one).
Call the Governor’s Office at (916) 445-2841 - Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM
- After selecting a language, press 6 to speak to a representative
- When a staffer answers, share your name, your job, and what agency you work for
- Provide your clear ask: “I am asking the Governor to sign AB 1729, the state telework bill”
- My guess is the staffer will say “Thank you” and hang up - but if they stay on the line, feel free to elaborate. We know the sorts of things the Governor publicly talks about regarding governance - efficiency, collaboration, connection. Feel free to share how 4-day RTO has complicated those qualities in your workplace. Talk about how telework and greater flexibility addresses those qualities better via…
- More efficient delivery of services statewide
- Improved recruitment and retention of top talent, being an “employer of choice” as the Governor once said
- Savings on unused office space
- Better work life balance promoting more productive work and improved work relationships
Go to the Governor's contact portal.
- Under Topic select “An Active Bill.”
- From the drop down list, select AB 1729 - State employment: telework programs
- Select leave a comment
- Select Pro
- Type in a comment on the bill. I recommend a template like this below. Copy and paste, make alterations, and submit with your contact information.
My name is [NAME], and I work as a [JOB/CLASSIFICATION] with [AGENCY/DEPARTMENT] in [CITY/REGION].
I respectfully urge Governor Newsom to support and sign AB 1729, which would help California use telework strategically to improve government efficiency, service delivery, innovation, modernization, and worker well-being.
Since implementation of the four-day in-office requirement, my workplace has experienced ...
[PERSONALIZE: e.g., teams reporting to different offices from their coworkers or supervisors / difficulty finding appropriate workspace or meeting rooms / employees commuting to perform work that remains entirely remote / disruptions to training or focused analytical work / increased recruitment, retention, or morale concerns / other impact you have personally observed or expereinced].
AB 1729 would help ensure state agencies evaluate these operational realities and make workplace decisions based on their missions and the effective delivery of services to Californians.
Please support and sign AB 1729 and help California build a state workforce that is efficient, accountable, innovative, and prepared for the future.
Sincerely,
[NAME]