One of the critical components of my platform is the Hazard Pay Guarantee, which would provide an additional $4 per hour for all Stations employees working during extreme weather conditions and government-initiated State of Emergencies. This initiative ensures that those who risk their safety to keep our transit system running are fairly compensated for their dedication and hard work in dangerous situations.

Why Hazard Pay Guarantees Matter

• Fair Compensation for Increased Risk: Stations employees are often required to work in hazardous conditions, whether during extreme weather events or in times of crisis, such as government-declared emergencies. During these situations, the risk of injury or illness increases dramatically, and employees are often under greater physical and mental strain. This initiative ensures that all employees working in these conditions receive $4 per hour in hazard pay to fairly compensate for the increased risks they face.

• Protecting Frontline Workers During Emergencies: From natural disasters to health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, government-initiated State of Emergencies put frontline workers, including Stations employees, in dangerous situations. This hazard pay guarantee would provide immediate financial recognition for the essential work being done during such emergencies. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, employees who work in hazardous or extreme conditions should be compensated for the additional risks they face.

• Extreme Weather Conditions: Whether it’s a heatwave, snowstorm, or severe flooding, extreme weather conditions can create dangerous environments for employees. This initiative ensures that employees working in these hazardous weather conditions are compensated for the risks they take. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, making it even more essential to protect and fairly compensate employees working in these environments.

The Economic Impact

• Providing Financial Stability in Crisis: During State of Emergencies, such as severe weather events or public health crises, many employees are expected to continue working, often under hazardous conditions. Hazard pay ensures that those employees receive immediate financial support for their hard work and the risks they take. A $4 per hour increase can make a significant difference for employees, especially during extended emergency periods. For a full 8-hour shift, this would mean an additional $32 per day—a fair compensation for the challenges they face.

• Incentivizing Essential Workers During Emergencies: Hazard pay is not just about compensating employees for risk—it’s also about incentivizing workers to continue showing up in difficult conditions. By offering a hazard pay guarantee during emergencies, we encourage employees to continue working without fear of financial strain, while also ensuring they are financially rewarded for their dedication and service to the public.

• Reducing Absenteeism and Increasing Workforce Resilience: During extreme weather events or State of Emergencies, absenteeism rates often rise as employees struggle to balance personal safety with work obligations. By providing a hazard pay guarantee, we can reduce absenteeism and strengthen the resilience of our workforce. Employees will feel more motivated to continue working, knowing they are being fairly compensated for the risks involved.

Why This Matters Now

• Responding to Increasing Emergencies: The frequency of State of Emergencies and extreme weather events is on the rise, from pandemics to hurricanes to heatwaves. The Hazard Pay Guarantee is a proactive approach to ensure that every Stations employee is protected and compensated for working in hazardous conditions, rather than waiting for specific hazard pay agreements to be negotiated during a crisis.

• Recognizing the Importance of Frontline Workers: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many essential workers, including Stations employees, were called upon to continue working while facing significant health risks. Unfortunately, many workers received little to no compensation for the hazards they endured. This initiative ensures that every employee is compensated fairly for the risks they take during government-declared emergencies and extreme weather conditions, ensuring they are not taken for granted.

• Providing Clear and Consistent Standards: By establishing a $4 per hour hazard pay guarantee, we are creating clear, consistent standards for how employees are compensated during emergencies. There is no guesswork or uncertainty—employees will know exactly what they are entitled to when working in dangerous conditions, and this guarantee will provide peace of mind during unpredictable events.

It’s About Fair Compensation and Worker Protection

Hazard Pay Guarantees are about ensuring that every Stations employee is fairly compensated when they are required to work in hazardous conditions, whether due to extreme weather or a State of Emergency. By guaranteeing an additional $4 per hour during these events, we are providing financial security and recognizing the importance of frontline workers who keep the city running in difficult times.

This initiative reflects a commitment to fairness, respect, and the protection of our workforce. Together, we can establish this hazard pay guarantee to ensure that no employee is left behind when working in dangerous conditions. Let’s make sure that our union stands strong for fair compensation and protection in the face of emergencies, and let’s build a stronger, safer future for all Stations employees.