SEIU Local 1000 Strike: IMPORTANT Information From Tonight’s Meeting With Union Legal Counsel
I wanted to share some important information discussed during tonight’s SEIU Local 1000 strike meeting with attorney Kerianne Steele of Weinberg, Roger & Rosenfeld. There seems to be a lot of confusion and misinformation circulating about employees’ rights, particularly regarding non-members, probationary employees, essential workers, and potential retaliation.

Steele leads her law firm’s public sector practice and is recognized for her work advancing the rights of California public employees, including helping expand the legal right to strike.

Here are the key takeaways from tonight’s meeting:

1. THE STRIKE IS MOVING FORWARD — NO LAST-MINUTE CANCELLATIONS
This was made clear during tonight’s meeting: THE STRIKE IS MOVING FORWARD AS PLANNED.
According to the union, there will be no last-minute cancellation or early-morning notification telling employees that the strike has been called off.
The strike is happening. Employees should plan accordingly.
2. NON-UNION MEMBERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO STRIKE
According to the union’s legal counsel, you do NOT have to be a dues-paying SEIU Local 1000 member to participate in the strike. Non-members have the same protected right to participate in lawful strike activity.
3. PROBATIONARY AND NEW EMPLOYEES ARE ALSO PROTECTED
Even if you are currently on probation or have only recently started working for the State of California, the union’s attorney stated that you have the right to participate in the strike and are protected under applicable labor laws.
4. CERTAIN DESIGNATED ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEES ARE PROHIBITED FROM STRIKING
According to tonight’s meeting, approximately 5,000 employees have been designated as essential and are not permitted to participate in the strike.
The union stated that employees who are prohibited from participating should have been individually notified.
Information regarding essential employee designations is available on the SEIU Local 1000 website.
5. EMPLOYER THREATS OR RETALIATION — REPORT THEM IMMEDIATELY
This was one of the most important points discussed tonight.
If your supervisor, manager, or employer has threatened you, attempted to intimidate you, or sent communications suggesting disciplinary consequences for participating in protected strike activity, the union wants to know IMMEDIATELY.
According to union legal counsel, unlawful threats and retaliation can result in legal action, and lawsuits are already being prepared.
Save EVERYTHING. Emails, written communications, and any other documentation should be forwarded to the union.
Email: [legal@seiu1000.org](mailto:legal@seiu1000.org)
6. WHAT IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT STRIKE PARTICIPATION?
The union indicated that employees who have not been individually notified that they are prohibited from striking should report to a strike line if they are participating.
The attorney emphasized that participation in a lawful strike is protected activity.
7. WHAT LEAVE CODE SHOULD YOU USE ON YOUR TIMESHEET?
The union’s attorney discussed several possible unpaid leave codes, including:
Unauthorized Leave Without Pay
Other applicable unpaid leave codes
AWOL
These were presented as potential ways to record strike-related absences. Employees should consult the union’s guidance regarding the appropriate code.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE SICK LEAVE, VACATION, OR OTHER PAID LEAVE CODES IF YOU ARE STRIKING
This was specifically addressed during tonight’s meeting.
According to the union’s guidance, if you use sick leave, vacation, or another paid leave code for your absence, you will NOT be considered to be participating in the strike.
If you intend to participate in the strike, you should record your absence using an appropriate unpaid leave code.

Out of Office Message - October 21
“I am currently away from work participating in SEIU Local 1000’s Unfair Practice Strike to demand fair bargaining. I will respond when I return.”

8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE UNION WEBSITE
SEIU Local 1000 has a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page addressing strike participation, employee protections, essential worker designations, and other concerns.
Website: https://www.seiu1000.org/

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR COWORKERS.
There are clearly a lot of questions and concerns surrounding this strike, especially from employees who are not union members or who fear repercussions from management.
This information was shared during tonight’s meeting with union legal counsel, and I wanted to pass it along so employees can better understand their rights.
If you’ve received threatening or intimidating communications, document them and contact the union’s legal team.
Disclaimer: I’m sharing my notes from tonight’s meeting, not providing independent legal advice. For questions about your specific circumstances, contact SEIU Local 1000 or its legal representatives directly.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026
SEIU Strike Day 101 Virtual Session
Time: 6:30 - 7:30pm
Sign up here: Zoom Meeting

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Wednesday, October 21, 2026
SACRAMENTO - Click Here to Register

Timeline:
6:30AM Sign in begins at all locations
7:00 – 10:00AM Phase One:
• SOS, 1500 11th St
• May Lee Complex, 651 Bannon St
• DMV HQ, 2415 1st Ave
• CNRA Building, 715 P St
• CDE HQ, 1430 N St
10:00 – 11:00AM All groups head to CalHR headquarter (shuttle option below)
11:00AM – 12:45PM Phase Two: CalHR, 1810 16th St (there will be guest speakers from 12-12:45pm)
1:00 – 3:00 PM Strike Line marches to the Capitol Annex Swing Space

Transportation:
Best to park in nearby areas (East Sac, Natomas, Land Park and take light rail, bus, uber etc.)

• Light rail and bus schedules and maps: https://www.sacrt.com/schedules/

• Bus tracker: https://bustime.sacrt.com/home

• To find spots at a Sac City garage: https://my.sacpark.org/dcr/

• To find spots at a private garage:

ParkWhiz: https://www.parkwhiz.com/p/sacramento-ca-parking/

Parking.com https://parking.com/sacramento/

Spot Hero: https://spothero.com/city/sacramento-parking

• To find available street parking:
Park Mobile: https://parkmobile.io/parking/locations/ca/sacramento-parking

Shuttle Schedules (Continuous loop):
May Lee
• May Lee to CalHR: 9:45am – 1:00pm
• May Lee to Annex Swing Space: 2:00pm – 4:30pm
DMV
• DMV HQ to CalHR: 9:45am – 1:00pm
• DMV to Annex Swing Space: 2:00pm – 4:30pm
SOS
• SOS to CalHR: 9:45am-12pm / 12:30pm-4:30pm
CDE/CNRA/CalHR
• CDE, CNRA and CalHR Loop: 9:45am – 1:00pm / 2:00pm – 4:30pm
*Note: March from CalHr will end at the Capitol Annex Swing Space

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7 Other Major Locations:

• OAKLAND - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, Elihu M Harris State Building, 1515 Clay St

• SAN FRANCISCO - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, Public Utilities Commission HQ, 505 Van Ness Ave

• FRESNO - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, Hugh Burns State Building, 1085 P St

• LOS ANGELES - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, Ronald Reagan State Building, 300 S Spring St

• NORWALK - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, Metro State Hospital, 11401 Bloomfield Ave

• SAN BERNARDINO - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, Rosa Parks Memorial Building, 464 W 4th St

• SAN DIEGO - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, Mission Valley State Building, 7575 Metropolitan Dr

Timeline:
6:30 AM Sign In Begins
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Strike Line featuring programming from special guest speakers

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Additional Strike Lines (3 new cities):

• Crescent City – Cooper Ave & Hwy 101, 8:00am – 3:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:amberrr64@yahoo.com)

• Eureka – K Street & Hwy 101, 8:00am – 3:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:jkoeppel@outlook.com)

• Redding – Hilltop Dr & Cypress Ave, 8:00am – 3:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:WilliamsRob45@gmail.com)

• Susanville – Lassen Shopping Center (2535 Main St), 5:15am – 2:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:brkhse1982@yahoo.com)

• El Centro – Main St & North Imperial, 8:00am – 3:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:cshannonseiu710@gmail.com)

• Blythe – 430 S Broadway, 8:00am – 3:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:a.m.tate@hotmail.com)

• Lancaster – W Ave L-6 & 10th St W, 8:00am – 12:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:solowo80@yahoo.com)

• Porterville – 1037 W Henderson Ave, 8:00am – 5:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:nancymartinez_6@hotmail.com)

•San Luis Obispo – S Higuera between Caltrans and the Central Coast Brewery, 9:00am – 2:00pm, [Click to RSVP via Email](mailto:trodriguezdlc726@gmail.com)

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Essential worker list:
Per SEIU: Only a small number of employees are designated essential and required to work. The vast majority of us, more than 95,000 state workers, should join a strike line on October 21. Check the list to see which positions are impacted.
Check Essential Worker List

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To bring list (suggested):

• #1: Signs, signs, signs: this helps direct media attention to the message we’re trying to convey, rather than our appearance. Make sure it reads “ULP Strike” somewhere

• Hats/Umbrella: Current forecast shows it might rain in the afternoon.

• Light jacket/blanket: anything to keep you warm. Daytime temps will range between 55-70F.

• Portable chairs: it’ll be a long day of protest. Sit and rest as needed.

• Food: per SEIU, breakfast and lunch will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Bring extra food, snack and water just in case.

• Any other items that make you feel more comfortable and motivated in participating in a strike: sunglasses, masks (yes, someone brought up this idea because they prefer not to be recognized), music, etc.

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Other Info

Picket lines DO’s and DON’Ts: https://www.seiu1000.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Strike-Dos-and-Donts-v3.pdf

Strike Line RSVP Flyer: https://www.seiu1000.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Strike-Ready-RSVP-Flyer.pdf

Strike Day OOO message (optional):
“I am currently away from work participating in SEIU Local 1000’s Unfair Practice Strike to demand fair bargaining. I will respond when I return.”

Complete strike info, including FAQs, can be found at: https://www.seiu1000.org/strike/