The Guam Federation of Teachers sending a clear message to Governor Lou Leon Guerrero: stop the games and pay employees what's due.

"You don't change the rules of the game in the middle of the game," said Robert Koss. "We learn that as children."  Koss, the GFT union representative, is talking about the sliding scale of differential pay Governor Leon Guerrero mandated through executive order for essential employees working on COVID response efforts.

The new differential pay policy was included in Bill 326, which also had a provision for these same employees to receive double-pay.  The governor however vetoed the bill on Tuesday.

The magahaga in her veto message stated she was forced to veto it because of its $36 million price tag for payroll and if overridden would likely result in furloughs.

"I do not believe public employees need to be furloughed that is just a retaliatory comment from the governor but there is sufficient money there's more she' been provided more money than for the cost of COVID so far," he said.

Koss says the legislature needs to act, noting, "We had unanimous support for Bill 326 - our senators to continue with that unanimous support and override the veto."

Even if senators don't override Bill 326, Koss says current personnel rules and regs already mandate that essential employees receive double their rate of pay when an emergency is declared.

Sen. Joe S. San Agustin has also written a letter to Department of Administration Director Edward Birn demanding an explanation for the non-compliance. Additionally, another Dear Governor letter began circulating on social media…this time purportedly from first responders "So here we are in week 7 of this crisis, still doing our part. Now it is time to do yours. Do what is right and compensate first responders as promised and as written in Department of Administration's Rules and Regulations at double rate of pay." 

 Just today, the Governor signed another executive order which extends her public health emergency for another thirty days. It was set to expire on May 5. And for the latest first responders message, "We earned the compensation and we have waited far too long!"

"Clearly the governor has all the powers she's got super powers right now," he said.