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.
THP Tracker
All awards and settlements include those who worked during the affected time. This means current employees, former employees, those who were let go, and even those who have retired or passed away.
Employers must handle Temporary Hazard Pay payments through HR and Payroll in all jurisdictions, even where there are settlements or arbitration awards. If you have questions about when you will be paid, contact your HR and Payroll department. If your address has changed, contact them as well.
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
April 2025 – Decision Rendered
The arbitrator has issued an award granting a 15% hazard pay differential for all hours worked by Executive Branch UPW workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision acknowledges these workers’ risks.
Who is Affected: This award specifically addresses those in Bargaining Units 1 and 10 employed by the Executive Branch of the State of Hawaii between March 5, 2020, and March 25, 2022. Affected positions include those in the following departments: Department of Agriculture, Department of Accounting and General Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Defense, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Department of Business Economic Development & Tourism, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Hawaiian Homelands, Hawaii State Public Library System.
Payment Update for Members
The arbitrator ordered the Employer, the Executive Branch of the State of Hawaii, to comply with the decision within ninety (90) days of the award being issued. This means we will expect the Employer to pay in a timely manner, as mandated by the arbitrator.
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
April 2025 – Decision Rendered
Those employed by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation between March 5, 2020, and March 25, 2022, will receive twenty-five percent (25%) Temporary Hazard Pay for all hours worked during the specified period. This reflects the severe hazards faced during the pandemic in the close and overcrowded quarters of Hawaii’s jails and prisons.
Payment Update for Members
The arbitrator ordered the Employer, the Executive Branch of the State of Hawaii, to comply with the decision within ninety (90) days of the award being issued. This means we will expect the Employer to pay in a timely manner, as mandated by the arbitrator.
Dept. of Education
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
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
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
February 2025 — Pending Payment
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
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
February 2025 — Payments Issued
The Employer presented a settlement offer, which the membership ratified. Payments were issued in February 2025.
Maui County
October 2022 — Payment Issued
The Employer presented a settlement offer, which the membership ratified. The payment was issued in October 2022.
University of Hawaii
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.
