On May 18, 2016, after more than two years in the making, Obama’s administration has finally unveiled a final ruling effectively changing overtime eligibility under the nation’s Fair Labor Standards Act. The overtime salary threshold has doubled from $23,660 to $47,476 allowing millions of once exempt Americans to qualify for overtime pay. This regulation, effective on December 1, 2016, will hopefully allow hard working employees tallying more than 40 hours a week pay for overtime at time-and-a-half what their hourly rate would be.
This final rule will greatly impact workers, employers and companies, including retailers, and the fast-food industry. If you are on a salary of $47,476 or less by December 1, 2016, you will be entitled to receive overtime. If you make more than this you may still be eligible to receive overtime pay depending on your job duties. Even though many employers are concerned about the drastic changes, many welcome the much needed update to wage standards that had been untouched since 2004. Inflation has taken a toll on the working class leaving very few eligible for overtime pay as wages became stagnant.
As these changes come into effect, it may not be immediately clear as to how these changes may affect you or whether or not you may be eligible to receive overtime pay. If you, or anyone you know, has questions or concerns about these updates to the FLSA, please do not hesitate to call the employment lawyers of Fitapelli & Schaffer at 212-300-0375 or visit our website at www.fslawfirm.com. We offer a free phone consultation with one of our experienced attorneys each of who are committed to fighting for the rights of hardworking employees.