UH workers in line for hazard pay

While most of the University of Hawaii campus was closed during the pandemic, several “essential” employees had to report to work. That group included coaches, trainers, media relations directors and facility workers.

Now a measure will pay $20,000 to each state employee who reported to campus at least 420 days between March 2020 and March 2022.

While the anticipated windfall is widely welcomed, there is an argument that they should receive more. Athletic trainers, who had to work directly with players and coaches during the pandemic, might be entitled to 25% of their salaries for each of the two years. If a trainer earns, say, $70,000, the hazard pay should be $17,500 each year or $35,000 for the two years of the pandemic.

While essential workers easily work more than 40 hours a week during the school year, any additional compensation would be justified.