1 million workers could become overtime-eligible soon

The U.S. Department of Labor proposed changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that would make approximately 1 million workers eligible for overtime pay.

Under FLSA, employers must pay time and a half for hours worked in excess of 40 hours a week, with some exemptions. Companies don’t have to pay overtime wages if workers pass both the salary and duties tests.

If changes are finalized, employees performing duties in a white-collar exemption category must be paid a minimum of $679/week ($35,308 annually) to avoid overtime payment (current levels are $455/week, $23,660/annually).

– Elaina Smiley, Meyer, Unkovic & Scott, es@muslaw.com