W EEKLY EDITION SEPT 13, 2017
PAGE 18
REM INDER: 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 overtime
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 2 1 states challenged the rule.
A federal judge i n Texas issued a preliminary injunction blocking the rule. The
Obama administration 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 right 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 whether 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 prepared 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.
