HSTA wins $291K in back pay after HIDOE pay raise error

The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association has secured a $291,881 settlement from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) to compensate 71 teachers who were improperly denied a step increase during the 2023–2024 school year. Affected teachers will receive an average of $4,111 in back pay and a corrected salary step, resulting in a 3% raise.

How did this pay raise error happen?

In the fall of 2023, a teacher who had previously taught in the HIDOE system returned to work and was told they would be treated as a new hire under the contract. As a result, the teacher was denied the negotiated step movement to which all continuing employees were entitled.

Questioning this determination, the teacher reached out to HSTA, and that one phone call made all the difference.

The 2023–2027 contract clearly says that: “Effective the first working day of the 2023-2024 school year, teachers compensated on Steps 5-14A of the salary schedules designated as Exhibits B and BB shall move to the next higher step within their respective classification. However, new employees who entered service during the 2023-2024 school year will remain in place for this school year.”

Despite a longstanding past practice and agreement on implementing contract language, HIDOE’s Office of Talent Management (OTM) incorrectly applied the “remain in place” clause to both returning teachers and actual new hires. This flawed interpretation cost dozens of educators thousands of dollars in pay.

HSTA takes action and wins

HSTA quickly began researching the issue, reviewing more than a decade of records to demonstrate that returning teachers had never been treated as new hires for step movement purposes.

The union filed a class grievance and engaged in months of investigation and negotiation. In the end, HSTA not only secured back pay for the 71 affected teachers, but we also negotiated an explicit agreement with HIDOE that the “remain in place” clause does not apply to returning employees. That means future errors will be prevented.

What happens now

HIDOE has notified affected employees by letter and is already processing personnel action forms (Form 5) to issue back pay and adjust salaries. HSTA has also contacted each impacted member to ensure they understand their rights and next steps.

If you believe you were affected, received notice, and have questions, please refer to your letter from HSTA or HIDOE, or contact HIDOE’s Teacher Recruitment Unit at (808) 441-8444 or TeacherRecruitment@k12.hi.us. You may also contact your HSTA UniServ Director for support or questions about your eligibility Find your HSTA UniServ Director.

Why it matters: Union strength in action

This settlement is a powerful reminder of what can happen when members speak up and the union stands united.

• One teacher noticed something was wrong and took the initiative to call HSTA.
• HSTA launched an investigation, filed a grievance, and backed it with research and persistence.
• Seventy-one teachers will now receive compensation they were wrongly denied.
• Future step movement disputes that could affect returning teachers have been prevented.

This win is more than just back pay—it’s a testament to the power of collective action and why HSTA’s advocacy is essential. When we look out for each other and push back when something doesn’t feel right, we build a stronger union and a more just school system.

If you see something that doesn’t seem right, speak up. You’re not alone. Your union is here to stand with you.