HGEA is run by a skilled and professional staff who provides quality representation and membership services
to those in the union’s seven bargaining units, as well as Associate members (composed primarily of
retirees, other state and county employees and officials, and federal and private sector employees).
In accordance with HRS Section 89, mandatory statutory dues are automatically payroll deducted from
those state and county employees in bargaining units 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 13 exclusively represented
by HGEA. The monthly dues for each employee are calculated individually based on:
(0.008 x straight-time monthly salary*) + AFSCME per capita payment** + Hawaii State AFL-CIO payment
The statutory dues provide employees with representation by HGEA, including contract negotiation. However,
in order to receive full membership benefits, employees must complete an HGEA membership application
to become a member. It costs nothing more, and you will receive additional discounts and benefits, which
make being a part of HGEA even more rewarding.
* The "straight-time monthly salary" is defined as the employee's monthly basic rate of pay, including
any differential pay for compression, conversion, permanent, related shortage, retention, salary adjustment,
school year, DOE special services adjustment (Unit 13), temporary and shortage amounts received by the
employee. Subject to change.
**The "AFSCME per capita payment" varies depending on whether the employee has a full-time or part-time
status.
Contract Administration/Negotiations
HGEA is responsible for daily enforcement of the collective bargaining agreements for the more than
27,000 members in Units 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 13. They are responsible for receiving and investigating
member complaints/concerns, and filing/presenting formal grievances. The staff also assists members
in reorganizations, consultations, unemployment, and interpretation of rules, regulation, and policies
and procedures related to conditions of employment.
In addition, HGEA is responsible for negotiating contracts on behalf of the members in the seven bargaining
units. During negotiations, the field services officers assist the executive director, who is the chief
negotiator, and the negotiating teams in preparing and presenting the union's proposals and arguments
in contract talks with the employers.
Political Action and Legislative Action
HGEA plans, organizes and coordinates a wide range of legislative and political action activities. It
oversees the endorsement of candidates for elective offices, establishes priorities on HGEA legislation,
and develops the HGEA legislative program and political action strategy with the union's political action
committees and the executive director. It plans, develops and administers a comprehensive political
education program, and coordinates campaign activities, including phone banks, house-to-house canvassing,
mailouts, signholding, rallies, PEOPLE (Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality)
program, polls and surveys.
Benefits
HGEA provides benefits that go beyond the obligations of what is required under collective bargaining.
These benefits complement the union's services, and are specifically designed to enhance the member's
personal needs on the job, at home and during leisure time. This includes a variety of products and
services from retail outlets statewide, attractive group rates on insurance (auto, homeowners, long
term care, life, etc), year-round sports and recreational activities, community involvement, educational
classes, scholarship/education funds, and more!
AFSCME
For managerial and confidential employees excluded from collective bargaining,
AFSCME
As an Associate member in the Managerial and Confidential Employees Chapter (MCEC),
these employees
have access to most of the same services and benefits as HGEA members. Although by law we cannot bargain
or negotiate a contract on your behalf, we try to assure that you receive all the rights and benefits
to which you are entitled as a government employee. We provide representation on grievances, civil service
commission appeals and other matters affecting your terms and conditions of employment.