W EEKLY EDITION AUG 2, 2017
DOL Asks for Comments on Overtime Rule Changes
The Department of Labor (DOL) has called for public comments on potential changes to the Obama
administration's overtime rule
The overtime rule finalized by DOL last year would have doubled
(to $47,476) the salary threshold under which virtually all workers
are guaranteed overti me pay if they work more than 40 hours per
week. The rule was set to take effect last December, but business
interests as well as 21 states challenged the rule. A federal judge in
Texas issued a preliminary injunction blocking the rule. The Obama
administ ration appealed, leaving the Trump administration to
decide whether to continue the appeal or drop it.
Earlier this month, the Labor Department made clear that it does
not agree with the salary threshold set by the Obama
administration, but defended its r ight to set a salary threshold on who qualifies for overtime pay in the future.
The request for public comment published in the Federal Register is the first step in the agency's plan to revise overtime
regulations. The agency has asked for input on wheth er the current threshold of $23,660 should be updated for
inflation, and whether there should be multiple standard salary thresholds based on employer size, region of the country
and other factors. The agency also asked employers to explain how they prepar ed for the rule to take effect and whether
there are unique challenges for small businesses that should be taken into account. Comments are due by Sept. 25.
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