California (Thechieftainspear) – California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a new executive order requiring most state employees who still have remote work arrangements to return to the office for at least four days per week, starting July 1. While some exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis, the mandate signals a major shift in the state’s approach to hybrid work.
“In-person work makes us stronger—period,” Newsom stated, emphasizing the benefits of collaboration, innovation, and accountability in a shared work environment. “This policy will enhance service delivery, foster better solutions, and improve outcomes for Californians while maintaining some flexibility.”
The move is expected to spark pushback from labor unions representing state employees, many of whom have resisted previous attempts to curb remote work. Currently, approximately 95,000 state workers operate remotely in some capacity, according to the governor’s office.
Newsom had already required workers to return to the office at least two days per week in April of last year, citing the need for better supervision, mentorship, and overall efficiency. However, the latest order argues that staggered remote work schedules have weakened those benefits. It also points to private sector companies that have recently tightened their in-office requirements as a justification for the change.
The timing of Newsom’s decision remains unclear, as his office declined to elaborate on why he is now pushing for an expanded return-to-office policy.
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Union Opposition and Legal Challenges
The new mandate is likely to face legal challenges, adding to ongoing disputes over state return-to-office policies. Last year, an arbitration ruling affirmed California’s right to require in-person work, but the CASE union, which represents state attorneys, has appealed that decision. Other legal battles over telework policies continue.
CASE President Timothy O’Connor criticized Newsom’s order, arguing that it disregards the advantages of remote work, including increased employee productivity, improved well-being, and cost savings for the state.
“This decision is abrupt, unnecessary, and completely ignores the benefits of telework,” O’Connor said. “It’s a harsh policy that doesn’t reflect the reality of modern work.”
Addressing Workforce Gaps
Beyond the return-to-office directive, Newsom’s executive order includes measures to expedite hiring for former federal employees in critical positions such as firefighting, weather forecasting, forest management, mental health, and science-related roles. The provision comes as mass layoffs continue to affect the federal workforce, and California aims to attract skilled workers to fill key vacancies.
With this latest move, Newsom continues to push for a more traditional workplace structure for state employees, despite ongoing resistance from labor groups and legal uncertainties surrounding remote work policies .
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