We fought hard as a union for about a year and a half to force the County to recognize our sacrifices and pay us. We rallied in vehicle caravans, had hundreds of speakers and thousands of petitions delivered to the Board of Supervisors and a strong team at the bargaining table demanding we be compensated for keeping the County running with many of us working on the frontlines. We elected three pro-working family Supervisors who were willing to listen to our determined bargaining team, which negotiated the best deal possible to recognize our sacrifice. This was a huge difference from when Supervisor Nathan Fletcher first raised the issue and couldn't even get a second to open the hazard-pay issue for discussion. Our power is growing and the only way to make sure it continues is to sign up new union members.
The COVID-19 Compensation Framework has three categories which determine the compensation amount. Employees must have performed work in the following categories more than 50 percent of their paid working hours to be eligible for a category.
If you do not receive a COVID-19 compensation payment and believe you should, or if you believe you have been miscategorized, contact your organizer-representative or the Advocacy Center at (858) 268-7020.
Hazard pay and teleworking categories
- Hazard Pay Category A: $2,500 – County employees who work directly with COVID-19 positive individuals and persons under investigation of being COVID-19 positive, including those who work with the deceased; as well as all employees who perform field work that requires them to enter residences or facilities not operated by the County, those who work in locked correctional facilities, residential care, patient care settings and County employees who work onsite at County work locations during a documented COVID-19 outbreak.
- Hazard Pay Category B: $1,500 – County employees who do not perform work under Category A but engage with the public and/or clients that increases the potential for contact with COVID-19 positive individuals. Additionally, all County employees who are required to report to work onsite on a part-time or full-time basis and are at risk of exposure due to interaction with coworkers.
- Teleworking Category C: $750 – Teleworking payment to support employees who are teleworking and have incurred work-related expenses, such as internet access, printing, equipment and electricity use to fulfill job requirements.
To be eligible, employees must:
- be employed by the County as a permanent employee on or before Oct. 19, 2020 and not terminate before the first day of the pay period prior to the lump sum payment.
- have a minimum of 1040 paid work hours during the period of March 19, 2020 through May 31, 2021.
- performed the duties under the working conditions described in the categories for more than 50 percent of their paid working hours during the period of March 19, 2020 through May 31, 2021.
- Part-time employees receive a pro-rated amount according to their standard hours.
