THP Tracker: The Fight for Temporary Hazard Pay THP - United Public Workers Hawaii

News Release from United Public Workers Hawaii, March, 2025

United Public Workers is actively engaged in a legal fight for Temporary Hazard Pay (THP) with employers in nine jurisdictions across Hawaii.

Temporary Hazard Pay

United Public Workers is actively engaged in a legal fight for Temporary Hazard Pay (THP). Section 30 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Unit 1 and Unit 10 entitles employees to hazard pay when exposed to unusually hazardous working conditions. Governor David Ige’s suspension of HRS 89 during the pandemic threatened our collective bargaining rights, yet we remain united in demanding recognition of the hazards faced by our workers and the upholding of our contract.

I urge you to stay vigilant and be informed. It's important to ask questions about Temporary Hazard Pay from an informed union source, like your Union Representative or your Chief Steward, and verify any information you hear at work. If something sounds wrong, don't hesitate to question it. Share this Temporary Hazard Pay information page with your coworkers, and take pride in the victories of your fellow union members, not just in our union but in others as well. Remember, a victory for one is a victory for all.

Kalani Werner, State Director

THP Tracker

In all jurisdictions, including those with ratified settlements or arbitration awards, the employer must process Temporary Hazard Pay payments through HR and Payroll. If you have questions regarding the timing of your payment, please contact your employer’s HR and Payroll.

UPW never receives Temporary Hazard Pay award payments or settlement funds from the employer; that money belongs to you and will come directly from your employer.

Executive - State

Progress

Arbitration Underway 75%

November 2024 – Preliminary Decision Rendered

The arbitrator has issued a preliminary award granting a 15% hazard pay differential for hours worked by Executive Branch UPW workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision acknowledges these workers’ risks and potentially allows testimonies to support a higher 25% pay differential. Members are testifying in arbitration to present evidence supporting the higher differential as arbitration continues.

Payment Update for Members
We do not estimate a payment date at this time.

Dept. of Education

Progress

Arbitration Pending25%

February 2025 — Arbitration Pending

Our legal team is preparing for arbitration. During this time, UPW will meet with the Employer to negotiate a settlement. If a settlement is offered, members will vote on it through ratification. If we cannot settle, we will proceed with arbitration.

Payment Update for Members
We do not estimate a payment date at this time.

Hawaii County

Progress

Settlement Ratified90%

March 2025 — Settlement Ratified

The Employer presented a settlement offer, which the membership ratified.

Payment Update for Members
We currently cannot provide a payment date. The Hawai‘i County Council needs to approve the settlement funds first. After that, the County Human Resources will calculate and issue payments through Payroll. If you’re a former employee or have separated or retired, please contact HR to ensure your contact and mailing address are up to date.

Hawaii Health Systems Corporation

Progress

Settlement Ratified 90%

February 2025 — Settlement Ratified

The Employer presented a settlement offer, which the membership ratified.

Payment Update for Members
We do not estimate a payment date at this time. A funding bill is working its way through the 2025 State Legislature, after which the Employer will prepare a payment plan.

Honolulu County

Progress

Pending Payment95%

February 2025 — Payment Plan Presented

The arbitrator has awarded members a 15% THP differential for all hours worked between March 2020 and March 2022.

Payment Update for Members
The employer has committed to issuing payments in Fiscal Year 2025, which ends June 30, 2025.

Judiciary

Progress

Payment Issued100%

October 2024 — Payment Issued

The Employer presented a settlement offer, which was ratified by the membership. The payment was issued in October 2024.

Kauai County

Progress

Payments Issued 100%

February 2025 — Payments Issued

The Employer presented a settlement offer, which the membership ratified. Payments were issued in February 2025.

What if I think the amount I received is incorrect? Submit evidence and an explanation in writing to the payroll division at the contact provided with your check. The deadline to challenge hours/calculation amounts is March 24, 2025.

I’m an HGEA member. Where’s my check? COK has provided no updates on the COVID HGEA THP payment.

Maui County

Progress

Payments Issued100%

October 2022 — Payment Issued

The Employer presented a settlement offer, which the membership ratified. The payment was issued in October 2022.

University of Hawaii

Progress

Decision Rendered 80%

October 2024 — Decision Rendered

The arbitrator has awarded members a 15% THP differential for all hours worked between March 2020 and March 2022.

Payment Update for Members
We do not estimate a payment date at this time. A funding bill is working through the 2025 State Legislature, after which the Employer will prepare a payment plan.