SEIU 1000 negotiates pay raise that really isn’t

Orlando Ibarra
September 4, 2025

SEIU Local 1000 just cut a backroom deal with California Gov. Gavin Newsom that leaves state workers holding the bag.

Members were promised a 3 percent raise in 2025 and another in 2026, but SEIU quietly agreed to delay the second raise until 2027.

And the first raise? On July 1, 2025, that 3 percent increase was immediately wiped out by a 3 percent pay cut through PLP 2025, a so-called “Personal Leave Program” that trades real income for just five extra hours of leave per month.

SEIU will also claim their take-home pay looks higher because contributions to retiree healthcare (OPEB) have been suspended for two years. But that’s no victory — it simply kicks the can down the road, leaving workers with bigger liabilities and less retirement security in the future.

Here’s what this “deal” really means:

a minor pay cut by PLP 2025;
promised raises delayed until 2027; and,
retirement security undermined.

SEIU calls this a win, but it’s a win for politicians and union bosses, not for the members paying the price.

Once again, workers sacrificed while SEIU keeps raking in millions — nearly $47 million in 2023 alone – in dues.

The Freedom Foundation will continue to fight these public-sector unions by empowering the average worker to exercise their right to opt out.

You don’t have to bankroll a union that sells out your paycheck and future. Thousands have already opted out — join them today at OptOutToday.com.

- California
, Gavin Newsom, SEIU 1000

Orlando Ibarra

California Outreach Director

Before joining the Freedom Foundation, Orlando studied and graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles. During his college career he worked and canvassed for various organizations and candidates to bring change to Southern California and his neighborhood of San Bernardino County. As an independent minded student, honored the freedoms and limitation set forth by the Constitution. As a deputy director for Rick Caruso’s bid for mayor in Los Angeles in 2022, Orlando’s role was to recruit, train and manage canvassers fulfilling his passion of engaging with people about politics on the streets of South LA. Despite the hostile environment, he enjoyed being an effective member of Caruso’s team. Orlando enjoys spontaneous trips with friends, the sunny beaches of Orange County and making his newly-wed wife, Mariana, laugh.