4 months ago
SACRAMENTO, CA - Whether or not state workers showed up to work Monday, Columbus Day, on what used to be a paid state holiday, appeared to be a mixed bag.
The largest state workers union, Service Employees International Union 1000, said California Department of Motor Vehicle offices in Watsonville, Compton and Hawthorne were closed or working with skeletal staffs. SEIU spokesman Jim Zamora said just six DMV offices were open in San Francisco.
In all, nine DMV offices around the state were closed for at least part of the day as 560 workers did not show up. DMV spokesman Mike Marando said five of the nine offices opened by late morning after employees where shifted from other locations.
At issue: Columbus Day was one of two paid holidays, the other being Lincoln's Birthday, eliminated in the February state budget deal. However, SEIU has maintained its members did not ratify a new contract with that change and has taken the position Columbus Day is a paid day off.
The Department of Personnel Administration said most employees showed up to work Monday.
Gov. Schwarzenegger warned those who didn't show up for work Monday could be docked pay and face possible suspensions or terminations. SEIU says if that happens, there could be legal action.
News10 checked the DMV office on Broadway in Sacramento and found it was business as usual. Paquita Gilliam was glad to be able to take care of business.
"I appreciate them. I really do. I lost my driver's license rather my driver's license was stolen and I can't drive without it. It takes a lot, it's a dedication. To me, I think they are very dedicated," Gilliam.
News10/KXTV
