They're frontliners, but when it comes to overtime pay, it seems like they're left on the back of the bus. According to Guam Federation of Teachers union representative Robert Koss, several GovGuam essential workers have been waiting for several weeks to receive compensation for the extra hours they've been putting in.

"I don't know if the Governor realizes it but the temper of many of the public employees is boiling. You know, these people are angry," said Koss. "They played by a certain set of rules and they expect the government to play by the same rules, and when the government doesn't play by the rules, you know, people are getting very angry."

Koss says several public sector agencies have a track record of not paying out employee overtime, on time, adding that it's a consistent issue that GovGuam agencies fail to process overtime within their appropriate pay periods.

"The Department of Administration was on page with the law, when I talked to DOA, they didn't understand why this was happening. You know, the agency heads shouldn't be requiring people to work if they don't have money to pay 'em," he said.

"Overtime is due in the same pay period with the regular wages, you know, when they're paid, you pay your overtime, as well," he added.

DOA issued a memorandum to agencies to ensure that they pay out overtime, or not require employees to work overtime. The common explanation given to employees when told to wait for their overtime checks, is we don't have the funds right now, but Koss says that excuse shouldn't fly.

"The agency head's responsible to make sure that they have money to pay the employees before they require those employees to perform work. And so, if indeed, there's no money in their budget, they need to pick that phone and do something," Koss explained.

"How would you like if I hire you to come over and build my house but I don't pay you?"

The consistent delays in paying out employees for time they've already worked is a warning flag for a bigger issue.

"If they can't meet their payroll obligations timely, then you got a management issue. You got inadequate management there, who's not getting the Job done. And, if you can't run the agency, my goodness, step down and let somebody else step up who can do the job," he said.

According to Koss, overtime is now being paid out, but not in a lump sum. He says it'll take a couple pay periods before it's all caught up.

Now the question is - will this longstanding issue continue?