Members could receive a temporary hazard payout within the calendar year after Gov. Josh Green’s administration offered HGEA a settlement split into two compensation tiers — $10,000 and $20,000.
According to the settlement offer on the table, the THP payout that members receive will be based on the days affected employees physically worked their regular schedule during the period of March 4, 2020 to March 25, 2022. Unlike previous arbitrations in other jurisdictions, it is not based on the severity of exposure to the hazard, but rather on total days worked.
Those who physically reported to work for 420 days or more during the emergency proclamation would be entitled to $20,000. Those who worked a hybrid schedule (physical at work and telework) and physically reported to work for less than 420 days would be eligible for compensation of $10,000.
The offer would cover employees organized into Units 2, 3, 4, 9, 13 and 14 employed within the executive branch, University of Hawaii, public charter schools, the Judiciary, and the Hawaii Health Systems Corp.
We’ve spent several years fighting this battle. We’re confident that we would win our outstanding cases should we proceed to arbitration rather than accept a settlement. A settlement, however, would mean cash-in-hand sooner rather than later, with the first installment scheduled for this October.
The choice is now before you, our members. HGEA is NOT making a recommendation on whether you should accept or reject this settlement offer. The Governor has made a good-faith and relatively fair offer to resolve this sooner than later and we felt it was necessary to bring it out to you for a vote. Watch Randy’s video and review the FAQs below and vote how you feel is best.
Ratification is tentatively scheduled for the week of April 8.
Members eligible to vote will receive an email with a ballot link.
More details to come.
