HSTA president says suspension of Chapter 89 sets dangerous precedent
Join us for sign-waving on Wednesday, Oct. 20, as we send the message to the HIDOE and the BOE that we have a right to bargain for the safety of our schools.
HIDOE takes no action on pandemic grievances, citing suspension of collective bargaining law
The Hawaii State Department of Education has notified the Hawaii State Teachers Association that it will “take no further action” on two class grievances over unsafe working conditions and the state’s mandate that unvaccinated education employees be tested for COVID-19 weekly, citing the suspension of parts of Hawaii’s collective bargaining law because of the pandemic.
Central Oahu educators call for strong, consistent health protocols
“We're here to help our students learn. We are here. We are in the classrooms, and we really want to ensure all classrooms are safe for everyone, including the families and the community,” said Berta Akiu, a special education second- and third-grade teacher at Mokulele Elementary who also serves as HSTA Central Chapter president.
HSTA FAQs on governor’s vaccine, testing emergency proclamation
The Hawaii State Teachers Association has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the governor’s emergency proclamation that requires state and county employees to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit regular test results.
Honolulu educators urge BOE to direct negotiations for consistent health, safety protocols
Dozens of educators gathered Wednesday afternoon in front of the Queen Liliuokalani Building in downtown Honolulu to raise concerns over inadequate COVID-19 response in schools.
Hundreds of Leeward teachers raise concerns over lack of consistent safety protocols
About 200 Leeward Oahu educators conducted socially distanced information picketing Tuesday afternoon to raise concerns about a lack of consistent safety protocols and an agreement which would enforce safe practices to keep students, school staff and the community safer during the pandemic. Public school teachers across the state will hold similar informational pickets in the coming days and weeks.
HSTA files class grievances over unsafe school conditions, testing mandate
HSTA has filed two class grievances over unsafe working conditions during the pandemic and the state’s directive that unvaccinated education employees must be tested for COVID-19 weekly. Class grievances represent all teachers who have been wronged by action or inaction on the part of the employer.
HSTA leaders meet with schools superintendent on COVID-19 issues
Despite HSTA expressing serious concerns about inconsistent protocols and reports from members of transmission of COVID-19 on school campuses, interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi continued to assert that health safety guidelines are being followed and that there had been no evidence of transmission or clusters of COVID-19 at schools.
Hiring remote teachers out of state violates state law, despite BOE discussion
The Hawaii Board of Education last week asked the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) whether there were ways to allow new teachers from the continental United States to reside there and be able to teach remotely. However, Hawaii law prohibits this type of employment by state or county government workers.
HIDOE implements weekly COVID-19 testing requirement
The Hawaii State Department of Education released Friday instructions for employees to provide proof of vaccination or opt for weekly COVID-19 testing.