A proposal to freeze state worker salaries from Governor Gavin Newsom was rejected by the California Legislature in its latest budget plan, offering temporary relief to public employees. Union leaders welcomed the move, calling it a show of solidarity amid heightened attacks on organized labor. Still, budget negotiations are far from over, with furloughs, retirement contribution pauses, and telework revisions still under discussion. Lawmakers face a June 27 deadline to finalize an agreement with the governor, who retains line-item veto authority that could still affect raises.
See "California Legislature rejects state worker salary freezes. Negotiations continue", William Melhado, The Sacramento Bee, June 11, 2025