The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a proposed rule that would alter overtime regulations, and it is meeting objections from a national construction association.
The proposal would ensure overtime pay for most salaried workers earning less than $1,059 per week, or about $55,000 per year, under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
“We are committed to ensuring that all workers are paid fairly for their hard work,” said Jessica Looman. U.S. Department of Labor principal deputy wage and hour division administrator. “For too long, many low-paid salaried workers have been denied overtime pay, even though they often work long hours and perform much of the same work as their hourly counterparts.”
She said the proposed rule would ensure that more workers receive extra pay when they work long hours.
The proposed rule is the result of extensive outreach to employers, workers, unions, and other stakeholders, she said. This also included the department holding 27 listening sessions with more than 2,000 participants to gather information.
Changes to overtime rules have been made over the past seven years with varied results.
In 2016, the Obama administration issued a rule that would have doubled the minimum salary level for overtime exemption from $23,660 to $47,476 per year.
