The Department of Labor is proposing a rule that could benefit almost five million workers in the first year. The rule would allow workers earning less than $50,440 a year to be guaranteed overtime pay, if they work more than 40 hours. The current threshold is $23,660.
The amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) would allow
workers earning less than $50,440 a year to be guaranteed overtime
pay, if they work more than 40 hours. The current threshold is
$23,660.
The Department of Labour's goal is for hard workers to receive
fair compensation, as it was noted "a convenience store
manager, fast food assistant manager, or some office workers may be
expected to work 50 or 60 hours a week or more, making less than
the poverty level for a family of four, and not receive a dime of
overtime pay".
The National Retail Federation expects that many employers will try
and avoid costs by reducing workers' hours or hiring more
part-time workers.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce said in a statement the new federal
overtime proposal will likely hurt business in the state rather
than help. So far, more than 10 regional chambers of commerce have
voiced their opposition to overtime changes.
The Department of Labor has received nearly 300,000 comments on the
proposed rule, and is reviewing feedback with aims to announce the
final rule by July 2016.
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