Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, May 05, 2015
Discussion
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDERATION OF HAZARD PAY FOR ESSENTIAL CITY EMPLOYEES DURING THE COVID-19 DECLARED EMERGENCY
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I. SUMMARY
As we all know, these are extraordinary times. Well thought out decisions are being made by our City leaders that reflect their heightened concern for the health and welfare of our employees and the community.
The U.S. Department of Labor defines hazard pay as "additional pay for performing hazardous duty or work involving physical hardship." Typically, members of the military who perform more dangerous duties like parachute jumpers, may receive extra pay as well as those who work in construction and mining industries or in war zones because of how dangerous their work can be. It's not a legally mandated bonus - whether or not someone receives hazard pay, regardless of their industry, is ultimately up to the employer.
There are currently no federal regulations that would secure hazard pay or any additional compensation for the essential workers during COVID-19. Typically, hazard pay is given at a particular percentage of hourly pay or at a flat rate. The Code of Federal Regulation provides helpful examples of hazard pay under specific circumstances, including "known exposure to serious disease for which adequate protection cannot be provided". The federal government is currently discussing hazard pay for those in life-threatening positions (i.e., doctors, medical providers, nurses, fire fighters, grocery store workers, etc.).
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
DISCUSS and PROVIDE DIRECTION.
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III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action that the City Council deems appropriate.
IV. BACKGROUND
As a result of the City's declaration of a local emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic on March 17, 2020 in Resolution No. 20-053, the City made the decision to close all City facilities to the public, including the Community Center and parks. This decisio...
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