SACRAMENTO, California — More than 1,000 California state scientists took to the second day of a three-day strike Thursday, calling for higher wages for work they say often goes unrecognized in a state that sets environmental policy trends on the national and global scene.
The California Association of Professional Scientists, a union representing about 5,200 scientists in more than 50 state departments, decided to strike after three years of stalled contract negotiations, President Jacqueline Tkac said. The push for a better contract began when state scientists were laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are not here to settle for anything less than the fair pay and respect we deserve,” Tkac said. “We hope the state can recognize the opportunity before us.”
The strike comes during an important year for labor, a year in which health care professionals, Hollywood actors and writers and auto workers stood up for better wages and working conditions. It also comes amid new California laws allowing workers more paid sick leave and higher wages for health care and fast food workers.
The scientists — whose work includes setting up earthquake warning systems, protecting wildlife and reducing air pollution — gathered outside the California Environmental Protection Agency building in downtown Sacramento. Most wore green shirts representing their union, and many held signs reading “Scientists Strike Back” and “Defiance for Science.” Drivers, including firefighters, honked in support as they passed by.
Tkac accused Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration of bragging about the state’s leadership on climate policy without recognizing those doing the work.
“No one wants to be here, but we have to,” Tkac said.
The union says state scientists are paid 40% to 60% less than professionals in comparable positions doing similar work.
The state says it has worked on a fair deal with the scientists. The California Department of Human Resources recently filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the union in an effort to prevent the strike.
The ministry said on Wednesday it was disappointed with the strike and that the state would continue to negotiate “in good faith.” Camille Travis, spokesperson for the department, said the union sought mediation and then called for the strike before that process was completed.
The state will continue to work toward a fair agreement with the union, as it does with other bargaining units, Travis wrote in an email. She said the state has “taken steps to ensure that services to the public continue with as little disruption as possible.”
Kelsey Navarre, an environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said it is important for people to recognize the broad work of state scientists, including conserving natural resources, monitoring food safety and protecting public health.
“It’s really hard to make ends meet — especially in some of these bigger cities like Sacramento and LA and in the Bay Area — on the salary that we get from working for the state,” Navarre said.
Jan Perez, an environmental scientist with the California Natural Resources Agency who has worked for the state for 25 years, says she chose her job in part because she believes “the state has the greatest impact on preserving and protecting our environment.”
Perez said she is lucky to have worked for the state long enough to afford living in Sacramento.
“When I look back at what an entry-level scientist makes and what the rents and mortgage amounts are in Sacramento, I honestly don’t know how they do it,” Perez said.
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Sophie Austin is a staff member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Austin on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter: @sophieadanna