The union that represents tens of thousands of state workers says its members have authorized a strike if a new labor contract isn't reached with the administration of Governor Schwarzenegger.

In a news release this afternoon, Local 1000 of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced that almost 85% of its 87,000 state employee members voted to approve a possible strike. It would be the first work stoppage of its kind in state history.

"It's clear that Local 1000 members are fed up and will do what it takes to get a decent raise and a fair contract," said SEIU Local 1000 president Jim Hard in a written statement.

The most recent contract with the various bargaining units expired almost a year ago. Union members say they've received too little of a raise in recent years to keep up with increases in the cost of living.

The union has not said exactly what would trigger a strike, only that the membership has given the OK to take that action should negotiations fail. State officials, however, say they don't think state employees can legally participate in a strike. That issue would probably have to be settled in court.