Newsom vetoes bill pushing back on return-to-office orders for state workers
Gov. Gavin Newsom did not sign an assembly bill that would have required state agencies to provide telework options or explain in writing why employees must report to an office. Newsom ordered a return-to-office for state workers on July 1.
(Video player above: California state workers union protests return-to-office mandate amid contract negotiations)
The governor’s office released a letter on Friday explaining why Assembly Bill 1729 was vetoed.
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“While I fundamentally believe in-person collaboration is an essential part of a productive and effective workplace, the state’s existing telework policy includes a process for departments to consider exemptions on a case-by-case basis,” the statement reads in part. “This measure, by limiting department flexibility and encouraging telework to be the default work arrangement, takes the state’s telework policy in the wrong direction. For those reasons, I cannot sign this bill.”
The bill was authored by Democratic Assemblyman Alex Lee passed every step at the state Capitol unanimously before being approved by the Senate and making it to Newsom’s desk.
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