Hawaii Labor Relations Board officially establishes HGEA Unit 15

January 13, 2021

01.13.20

Hawaii Labor Relations Board officially establishes

Congratulations!

In a historic win for our members, late last week the Hawaii Labor Relations Board (HLRB) issued its decision formally establishing Bargaining Unit 15 and the classes that comprise the unit. The addition of Unit 15 — to represent state and county ocean safety and water safety officers — separates this group of first responders from state law enforcement officers, who remain in Unit 14. The separation will allow for bargaining and negotiations on items specific to ocean and water safety officers.

We want to acknowledge the efforts of the legislative team and many HGEA members who were instrumental in lobbying for this legislation. In September 2020, HB 1698 was signed into law as Act 031, Session Laws of Hawaii, 2020.

HLRB Decision Establishing Unit 15

HLRB Written Order

After the bill became law, the unit had to be formally established through a petition with the HLRB, which is charged with establishing procedures and investigating and resolving any dispute concerning the designation of an appropriate bargaining unit and the application of Section 89-6, HRS to specific employees and positions within a bargaining unit.

In its petition to the HLRB submitted in October 2020, HGEA identified the various classes that should be included in Unit 15 — state and county ocean and water safety officers. None of the employers expressed any objections to the classes and series identified in our petition. We estimate the current number of employees in Unit 15 to be about 400.

The Unit 15 Board of Directors will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.