State workers in Sacramento protested a new mandate requiring them to return to the office in person at least four days a week, sparking mixed reactions from local residents and businesses. Some Sacramento residents expressed support for the mandate, citing potential benefits for local businesses. One man said the return of state workers could provide a much-needed boost to downtown businesses. “Small businesses in town depend on those workers,” JP Tantarelli Jr. said. “Get your behind back to work.”Another woman shared her perspective, saying, a lot of people are struggling to get jobs right now, so it’s tough to hear people complain about working in the office four days a week.“It would be really nice to have that kind of job. And they’re not even required to be in office full time,” Ayacaxtli Torrez said. “Folks are struggling to get jobs right now. It’s a terrible job market for everybody.”| MORE | California state workers union protests return-to-office mandate amid contract negotiationsMany said they understand the argument but are not sympathetic to the cause. “They’re complaining about things that are routine. I mean, I need to drive to work. I need to park. That’s what having a job entails,” Tantarelli Jr. said. “I understand, but I’m not sympathetic to your cause. You know, there are circumstances, you know, family, childcare, extenuating circumstances that should be considered. But overall, you know, get here. Four days a week is better than five days a week.” Not everyone agrees with the mandate. Some residents, who don’t work for the state, raised concerns about the environmental impact of increased commuting and the disruption of routines that state workers have maintained for years. Local businesses in downtown Sacramento are hopeful the mandate will bring more customers, though many declined to comment publicly. They don’t want to upset state employees who are unhappy with the order. The debate over the mandate continues, with strong opinions on both sides. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
State workers in Sacramento protested a new mandate requiring them to return to the office in person at least four days a week, sparking mixed reactions from local residents and businesses.
Some Sacramento residents expressed support for the mandate, citing potential benefits for local businesses. One man said the return of state workers could provide a much-needed boost to downtown businesses.
“Small businesses in town depend on those workers,” JP Tantarelli Jr. said. “Get your behind back to work.”
Another woman shared her perspective, saying, a lot of people are struggling to get jobs right now, so it’s tough to hear people complain about working in the office four days a week.
“It would be really nice to have that kind of job. And they’re not even required to be in office full time,” Ayacaxtli Torrez said. “Folks are struggling to get jobs right now. It’s a terrible job market for everybody.”
| MORE | California state workers union protests return-to-office mandate amid contract negotiations
Many said they understand the argument but are not sympathetic to the cause.
“They’re complaining about things that are routine. I mean, I need to drive to work. I need to park. That’s what having a job entails,” Tantarelli Jr. said. “I understand, but I’m not sympathetic to your cause. You know, there are circumstances, you know, family, childcare, extenuating circumstances that should be considered. But overall, you know, get here. Four days a week is better than five days a week.”
Not everyone agrees with the mandate. Some residents, who don’t work for the state, raised concerns about the environmental impact of increased commuting and the disruption of routines that state workers have maintained for years.
Local businesses in downtown Sacramento are hopeful the mandate will bring more customers, though many declined to comment publicly. They don’t want to upset state employees who are unhappy with the order.
The debate over the mandate continues, with strong opinions on both sides.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel