Where Gavin Newsom is tougher on public employees than Greg Abbott

Gavin Newsom's return-to-office mandate for California state workers, in effect since July 1, contrasts with Greg Abbott's reversal of a similar Texas policy after a survey showed telework did not reduce productivity. The Service Employees International Union Local 1000 argues remote work benefits taxpayers and reduces traffic and emissions, while Newsom emphasizes in-person collaboration and community building. Other blue states maintain hybrid work policies, differing from Texas's adjusted stance.