Temporary Hazard Pay
United Public Workers has successfully settled or won in arbitration the Temporary Hazard Pay (THP) owed to members for work performed during the COVID-19 pandemic across ten jurisdictions in the state. According to Section 30 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Unit 1 and Unit 10, employees are entitled to hazard pay when they are exposed to severely hazardous working conditions. Despite Governor David Ige’s suspension of HRS 89 during the pandemic, our collective bargaining rights have been upheld, acknowledging the dangers faced by our workers and reinforcing the validity 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, 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
Executive - State
April 2025 – Decision Rendered
On April 3, 2025, the arbitrator 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 has directed the Employer, the State of Hawaii, to comply with the decision within ninety (90) days from April 3, 2025. The arbitrator also ordered a penalty of 10% annual interest (prorated) for payments issued after May 16, 2025. Therefore, we anticipate that the Employer will work diligently to ensure payments are made promptly. Furthermore, Hawaii Act 029, enacted on May 12, 2025, allocates funds for arbitration awards affecting state departments within the Executive Branch that employ BU1 and BU10 members. This means the money is available. However, it will take time for the state departments to calculate and issue your check.
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 has directed the Employer, the State of Hawaii, to comply with the decision within ninety (90) days from April 3, 2025. The arbitrator also ordered a penalty of 10% annual interest (prorated) for payments issued after May 16, 2025. Therefore, we anticipate that the Employer will work diligently to ensure payments are made promptly. Furthermore, Hawaii Act 029, enacted on May 12, 2025, allocates funds for arbitration awards affecting state departments within the Executive Branch that employ BU1 and BU10 members. This means the money is available. However, it will take time for the state departments to calculate and issue your check.
Dept. of Education
May 2025 — Settlement Ratified
Department of Education members have voted to accept the Tentative Temporary Hazard Pay Settlement Agreement, which offers a 15% differential from March 4, 2020, through March 25, 2022, on all hours worked, calculated on base pay.
Payment Update for Members
The next step will be for the state to calculate the amounts owed and issue payments directly to affected employees. Hawaii Act 029, enacted on May 12, 2025, allocated funds for settlement agreements and arbitration awards affecting state departments that employ BU1 and BU10 members. This means the money should be available. However, we expect it will take some time before the employer calculates and issues checks.
Hawaii County
March 2025 — Settlement Ratified
The Employer presented a settlement offer, which the membership ratified.
Payment Update for Members
The Hawai‘i County Council approved settlement funds on May 7, 2025. In accordance with the settlement agreement, the County’s Human Resources Department now has 90 days from May 7, 2025, to calculate and issue payments. 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
Hawaii Act 029, enacted on May 12, 2025, allocates funds for arbitration awards affecting state departments within the Executive Branch that employ BU1 and BU10 members. This means the money is available. However, it will take time for the state departments to calculate and issue your check.
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 on June 30, 2025. If the employer fails to meet the promised deadline, UPW is prepared to take legal action to seek a remedy.
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
Hawaii Act 029, enacted on May 12, 2025, allocates funds for arbitration awards affecting state departments within the Executive Branch that employ BU1 and BU10 members. This means the money is available. However, it will take time for the State departments to calculate and issue your check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Affected?
All awards and settlements apply to individuals who worked during the affected period. This includes current employees, former employees, individuals who were laid off, as well as those who have retired or passed away.
When Will I Get Paid?
The employer will calculate and issue payments directly to affected employees. If you have questions about when you will receive your payment, please contact your employer.
How will the payments be made (direct deposit, check, etc.)?
Depending on your jurisdiction, payment may be made via a separate paper check. However, some employers only permit payroll payments, meaning you may receive payment in the same manner as your paycheck – direct deposit or check.
What is the amount of Temporary Hazard Pay I can expect to receive?
Every amount of THP is unique to each employee, depending on the specific award or settlement issued. To determine your own payment amount, you can review your timecards or paychecks from the affected period.
What If I Moved?
The employer will issue payments to affected employees. If your address has changed, be sure to notify them. Typically, your HR or Payroll Manager will use the address on file to contact you. Check to ensure they have your latest information.
Will the Temporary Hazard Pay affect my taxes?
Yes, Temporary Hazard Pay (THP) payments are considered income for both state and federal tax purposes. This means they may be subject to taxes just like your regular wages. It’s important to keep this in mind when filing your tax return.
Who can I contact if I have more questions about my eligibility?
Contact the employer, typically the HR Manager to ask questions about your payment or eligibility. If you still have questions, your Union Representative is available to assist.
Can I appeal if I believe I’m eligible but haven’t received payment?
Payments are pending in many jurisdictions; however, if you believe you should have received a payment or the THP payment is incorrect, please notify the HR Manager immediately. Be aware that the time frame for filing an appeal is limited; therefore, it’s important to act quickly.
What documentation will I need to provide to receive my payment?
For current employees, payments will be processed through payroll. For others, please ensure your contact information is up to date to facilitate any necessary communications or payments. The employer may require proof of identification to release these payments.
Is there a deadline to claim my Temporary Hazard Pay?
Affected employees do not need to claim Temporary Hazard Pay. The employer will calculate and issue payments based on hours worked during the affected period.
What if I changed jobs during the pandemic?
THP is calculated based on hours worked in the affected position. If you switch to a jurisdiction covered by a THP award or settlement, you’re eligible for THP benefits for the hours worked in each job, based on the specific THP differential for that jurisdiction.
Does the Union have my money?
UPW never receives Temporary Hazard Pay awards or settlement funds from the employer; that money is intended for you and will be sent directly from your employer. Furthermore, UPW is not deducting dues from COVID-19 THP payments.
