3.6 Million Low-Paid Salaried Workers Will Have Their Overtime Protections Restored & Extended, The Department Of Labor Announced
The U.S. Department of Labor has taken a significant step forward in supporting workers’ rights with its latest announcement.
Acting Secretary Julie Su expressed, “For over 80 years, a cornerstone of workers’ rights in this country is the right to a 40-hour workweek, the promise that you get to go home after 40 hours or you get higher pay for each extra hour that you spend laboring away from your loved ones.” This sentiment underscores the importance of the proposed rule that aims to restore and extend overtime protections to 3.6 million salaried workers who have long deserved fair compensation for their dedication.
In essence, the proposal ensures that most salaried workers earning less than $1,059 per week, approximately $55,000 per year, will be guaranteed overtime pay. This financial boost holds the potential to make a significant impact on their economic security. This initiative resonates with the principles of the Biden-Harris administration, as Julie Su highlighted, “Today, the Biden-Harris administration is proposing a rule that would help restore workers’ economic security by giving millions more salaried workers the right to overtime protections if they earn less than $55,000 a year. Workers deserve to continue to share in the economic prosperity of Bidenomics.”
The Department of Labor’s commitment to a fair wage system has been demonstrated through thorough research and engagement. The department conducted 27 listening sessions, engaging with more than 2,000 participants from employers, workers, unions, and various stakeholders. This outreach has enabled the formulation of a proposed rule that aligns with the needs and expectations of today’s workforce.
Principal Deputy Wage and Hour Division Administrator Jessica Looman stated, “We are committed to ensuring that all workers are paid fairly for their hard work.” This commitment addresses the long-standing issue of low-paid salaried workers who have been denied overtime pay despite working long hours comparable to their hourly counterparts. The proposed rule would rectify this discrepancy, ensuring that more workers receive the compensation they rightfully deserve.
The proposal encompasses several essential aspects:
Restoring and Extending Overtime Protections:
Many low-paid salaried workers currently put in extra hours without receiving the overtime pay they deserve. The proposed rule’s salary threshold aims to rectify this, ensuring that these workers receive the overtime protections they should have.
Balancing Work and Life:
By accurately identifying those who are exempt from overtime, the proposed rule aims to grant valuable time back to workers or compensate them appropriately for working beyond the 40-hour week.
Ensuring Predictability:
The rule suggests updating the salary threshold every three years to reflect current earnings data, preventing the erosion of overtime protections and ensuring a fair system for the future.
Territorial Protection:
The proposal also includes provisions to ensure that U.S. territories align with the federal minimum wage and overtime salary threshold, granting consistent protections for all workers.
The notice of proposed rulemaking will be open for public comment for 60 days, allowing stakeholders to share their insights. The Department of Labor’s dedication to worker welfare and economic justice is evident through this proposal. As the department takes into consideration the feedback received, a final rule will be published, solidifying the steps taken to enhance the lives of workers across the nation.
Find out more information about the proposed regulation and how to submit comments.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
