City & County of Honolulu Employees Exposed to COVID May File for Temporary Hazard Pay
News Release from HGEA, July 6, 2021
Thanks to a settlement between HGEA and the City & County of Honolulu, employees who were exposed to COVID-19 while working may qualify for Temporary Hazard Pay. The time period is from March 4, 2020 until Mayor Rick Blangiardi declares the COVID-19 emergency to be over.
In order to start the process, each employee must fill out the form that is linked below as soon as possible and turn it in to their supervisor or Human Resources Department.
Depending on the severity of exposure, you may request 15% for severe cases or 25% for most severe cases.
Each request will be reviewed by the City to make a determination. If you disagree with the City's response, the determination is subject to the grievance process.
Below are some FAQs to help you navigate the filing process. Please remember, this form was not created by HGEA. If you have any questions regarding the filing process or the form itself.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
What was this temporary hazard pay (THP) case about?
HGEA filed a class grievance on behalf of all HGEA bargaining unit employees after the C&C of Honolulu denied our request for temporary hazard pay (THP) for all employees who were exposed to COVID-19 while performing essential government work on the frontlines during this pandemic
What is the settlement reached between HGEA and the C&C of Honolulu for temporary hazard pay (THP) related to COVID-19 exposure?
The settlement affords the opportunity to each individual HGEA bargaining unit member employed by the City who feels they have worked under hazardous conditions relating to COVID-19 exposure to request hazard pay of 15% for severe conditions and 25% for most severe conditions. If an individual is not satisfied with the determination, that person may be allowed to file a grievance.
THP ELIGIBILITY
Who is covered by this settlement? Who is eligible to file for temporary hazard pay?
Any HGEA bargaining unit employee who believes they may have been exposed to COVID-19 while working.
What if I already receive Hazard Pay for something non-related to Covid-19?
You can still submit a hazard pay request regarding Covid-19 exposure. Employees can submit multiple hazard pay requests as long as they are potentially dealing with different and separate hazardous conditions.
What if I recently left government service? Am I still eligible for Hazard Pay?
Yes, if you were employed on or after March 4, 2020 you can still submit a hazard pay request since you may have experienced hazardous working conditions during that time. The time period you would enter on the form would be from March 4, 2020 until the date you left government service.
What time period is the temporary hazard pay for?
The time period for which Temporary Hazard Pay could be granted begins on March 4, 2020 and continues until the Mayor declares the COVID-19 emergency to be over. Once that is declared, you will still have 10 business days to file a request. The settlement also includes anyone who worked during the applicable time period but has since left government service with the City….
Do I request 15% or 25% in the hazard pay requested amount?
It is up to you which percentage you want to request. The contract lays out conditions to meet Most Severe (25%) or Severe (15%). If you disagree with the decision from the employer you have the right to grieve that determination. Timelines will be similar to a regular grievance, 20 working days from the decision. …
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KITV: City employees exposed to Covid may get hazard pay