Final Overtime Rule Is Controversial

摘要

New federal overtime regulations are long overdue and will raise wages for millions of workers, the Obama administration says. But construction groups say the final rule, released on May 18, could have unintended consequences. The Labor Dept. rule, which takes effect on Dec. 1, will require employers to pay overtime to any employee who earns less than $47,500 a year-more than twice the current $23,500 threshold. The regulation will be updated every three years. Theadministration estimates that the change will extend overtime benefits to 4.2 million more workers and boost wages by $12 billion over 10 years.