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 nine 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
For the State of Hawaii Department of Education, United Public Workers continues to pursue the employer to uphold the contract. Our legal team is actively exploring every viable avenue to compel the employer to comply with the agreement, ensure that all terms are honored, and get our members made whole for the work they performed under hazardous conditions.
UPW will send updates to members by email. Please make sure your contact details are up to date and that UPW has your personal email address on record. UPW will not send messages to members’ work email accounts.
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 get in touch with your employer.
How will the payments be made (e.g., direct deposit, check)?
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 to which it is tied. To determine your own payment amount, you can review your timecards or paychecks from the affected period. If you believe the amount on your check is incorrect, contact your HR department immediately and request in writing an audit of your time and calculation of your temporary hazard pay.
What if I moved?
The employer will issue payments to affected employees. If your address has changed, please notify them. Typically, your HR or payroll manager will use the address on file to contact you. Verify that they have your most up-to-date 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 essential 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.
How do I appeal my payment?
Payments are pending in many jurisdictions. However, if you believe you should have received a payment or that the THP payment is incorrect, notify the HR Manager immediately and request, in writing, an audit of your time and a recalculation of your Temporary Hazard Pay. Gather any evidence you have, including pay stubs, timecards, and leave requests, before contacting your Union Representative. Be aware that the time frame for filing an appeal is limited; therefore, it’s essential to act quickly. Your Union Representative can help you file a grievance.
What documentation will I need to provide to receive my payment?
For current employees, payments will be processed through the payroll system. 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 and may ask you to sign to confirm receipt of 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. Suppose you switch to another jurisdiction covered by a THP award or settlement. In that case, 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.
