On March 3rd, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order requiring that California State workers return to work, from working remotely at home, to in person four days a week, effective July 1st, 2025. The Order will continue to offer case-by-case telework exceptions, if necessary. It also includes a goal to hire former federal workers along with firefighters and forest service staff seeking employment throughout this transition.
Working for the State
As a State employee, I work as a “Custodian I.” I’m responsible for the daily cleaning at the Franchise Tax Board building in Sacramento. I work Mondays through Fridays from 5:00am-1:30pm. My responsibilities include the upkeep of the building and its designated spaces, ensuring they are clean and well-maintained. This involves a range of standard custodial duties such as sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming. This work is under the Department of General Services (DGS) and it supports the operation and maintenance of the building in accordance with the State of California’s policies, procedures, and guidelines.
After learning about the Order, the first thing I thought of was those who have been working remotely the past few years since I know it’s going to affect them the most. I reached out over email to my colleague and fellow State employee, Meredith Frazer, a Staff Services Manager I (Specialist) and Upward Mobility Program Coordinator with the Upward Mobility Program about this. She said, “I was not aware of it until it was announced publicly, and when I did hear about it I was shocked.” Frazer works in the pyramid-shaped, Ziggurat building in West Sacramento.
As a Specialist she is responsible for performing complex management analysis in different areas, preparing high-level reports and presentations, and coordinating work for the Human Resources department. As an Upward Mobility Program Coordinator, she is responsible for administering and implementing programs that support employees in advancing to higher-paying positions within a company. She assists employees with career development, setting hiring goals, and reporting on the program’s progress.
Issues with the Return to Office
Before this Order, Frazer worked in the office two days a week and three days remotely. In an email interview she said, “State employees who have positions that allow for working from home should be able to continue to do so, while still coming into the office two days a week, which I believe is a fair balance.” She explained further that it goes against employee’s rights to collective bargaining through the Dills Act and environmental goals. She said:…