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Roth says COVID hazard pay arbitration could potentially save Hawaii County millions


Hawaii County has successfully resolved a long-standing dispute with the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) over hazard pay for government workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Former Mayor Mitch Roth announced the “significant arbitration outcome” on Monday, revealing that union members will receive 15% of their hourly compensation for six months, saving the county approximately $15 million.

Negotiations with HGEA, which represents about 5,400 Big Island members, had been ongoing for nearly two years. Roth stated that the agreement reached will help preserve resources for the community’s most pressing needs. He acknowledged that the hazard pay issue likely played a role in the outcome of this year’s mayoral race, with unions supporting his successor, Kimo Alameda.

Roth emphasized the importance of protecting taxpayer’s money while honoring the contributions of dedicated workers. He defended the county’s decision, citing safety measures implemented during the pandemic to minimize the risk to public workers. Roth expressed his best wishes to Mayor Alameda and his administration as they assume their new roles.

While HGEA representatives declined to comment on the outcome, Roth highlighted the challenging nature of the negotiations and the need to find fair and equitable solutions for all parties involved. The resolution with HGEA marks a significant step forward in addressing labor disputes related to hazard pay in Hawaii County, setting a positive precedent for future negotiations with other unions.

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Photo credit www.thegardenisland.com

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