The Star-Advertiser noted that several public unions received COVID-related hazard or retention pay — yet Hawaii’s public school teachers and counselors have received nothing (“HGEA finalizes $41M hazard pay settlement,” May 21).
The members of the Hawaii State Teachers Association are the only unionized staff on campus left out, despite working face-to-face with students during the pandemic. Counselors made home visits and worked with teachers to prepare work packets, sanitize books and meet with students in and outside of the classroom. We did this without contract guarantees.
Other unions also lacked hazard pay in their contracts, yet state and county leaders found a way to compensate them with “retention pay.”
Now, we’re halfway through summer break, and still waiting.
Mayor Kimo Alameda did the right thing. Gov. Josh Green, HSTA and state leaders must find a way to work together and do the same. Let’s take care of those who take care of Hawaii’s keiki.
Michele Baldovi
Kaneohe
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