Reactions to New DOL Overtime Rules

Jennifer Polanz

The Department of Labor is set to change its regulations regarding overtime. Beginning December 1 of this year, most workers earning up to $47,476 annually ($913 weekly) would automatically receive overtime pay (time and a half) when working more than 40 hours a week. This is more than double the current overtime rules threshold of $23,660 ($455 weekly). Some 4.2 million workers will be affected, says the DOL.

The National Retail Federation is up in arms about the increase, calling it a “career killer,” that will limit a worker’s advancement opportunities. Critics of the NRF are saying it will finally protect salaried workers. The implications for and against are extensive. We put the question to our readers to see what they thought. Here are a few answers:

“I currently work 55 to 60 hours a week; my boss will not want to pay this overtime; he will simply cut my hours to 40, leaving me with less money each week. Thank you, Mr. President. Can’t wait till he is gone.”—Joey (no last name provided)

“Yet another example of legislators who have no concept of our reality. I will simply have to take some of my personnel and back figure them into an hourly wage. Thank goodness I have them track hours. Once that happens, you can bet I will begin to watch my overtime and they will end up with a trimmed paycheck. Bad for everyone involved.”—Jeff Griff

Would you like to weigh in? Email us your thoughts at jpolanz@ballpublishing.com. GP