United Public Workers is leading a crucial legal fight concerning Temporary Hazard Pay. Our collective bargaining agreements guaranteed this pay to workers before the pandemic, but Governor David Ige’s suspension of HRS 89 threatened our collective bargaining rights. Despite this, we remain united in our demand that the employer recognize the dangers our workers encounter and uphold their agreement.
I urge you to stay vigilant and be informed. It’s important to ask questions from an informed union source, like your Union Representative or your Chief Steward, and verify any information you hear at work. If something seems wrong, don’t hesitate to question it. Share this 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.
In Solidarity,
Kalani Werner
State Director
United Public Workers
THP Tracker
In all jurisdictions, including those with ratified settlements or arbitration awards, the employer must process payments through HR and Payroll. If you have questions regarding the timing of your payment, please contact HR and payroll at your employer.
UPW never receives award payments or settlement funds from the employer; that money belongs to you and will come directly from your employer.
Executive - State
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.
When will members get paid? We do not estimate a payment date at this time.
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.
When will members get paid? We do not estimate a payment date at this time.
Hawaii County
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.
When will members get paid? We do not estimate a payment date at this time.
Hawaii Health Systems Corporation
February 2025 — Settlement Ratified
The Employer presented a settlement offer, which the membership ratified.
When will members get paid? 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 — Payment Plan Presented
Justice Acoba has awarded members a 15% THP differential for all hours worked between March 2020 and March 2022, including Uku Pau calculations and ERS contributions.
When will members get paid? We do not estimate a payment date at this time. The employer has prepared a payment plan to issue payments in Fiscal Year 2025, pending City Council approval.
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.
When will I get paid? Any checks not picked up by COB on February 20, including former employee checks, will be mailed.
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
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.
When will members get paid? 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.
