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Philadelphia Employment Lawyers: Increased Overtime Eligibility

Yesterday, the Obama administration announced it was extending eligibility for millions more employees to receive overtime pay. This has been in an effort to improve the treatment of workers that has garnered a lot of criticism from several business groups. The new regulation, which is to be issued by the Labor Department today, states that those workers who earn a salary less than $47,476 a year are required to receive time-and-a-half of overtime every time they work more than 40 hours in a given week. In 2004, a regulation had been set establishing the threshold at $23,660.

There are many theories on how these new regulations will work out as they come into effect on December 1, 2016. Some believe many workers will receive more pay when they work overtime, but project overtime will lessen. Others believe workers will be given salary increases that are above the cutoff so they will not have to be paid overtime. A third theory is that companies will hire more employees so current employees do not have to work overtime and be paid as such.

Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. has said the new rules touch a core issue for President Obama: having the middle class treated fairly. Additionally, the new rule protects those who financially fall below what is considered middle class. Biden also noted that more than 60 percent of workers were eligible for overtime pay in 1975, whereas today, only seven percent are eligible for the same benefits.

Philadelphia Employment Lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green Advocate on Behalf of Workers Denied Overtime Pay

If you qualify for overtime pay but have been denied the time-and-a-half you are owed, our team of Philadelphia employment lawyers will help you file a wage and hour dispute claim. At Sidkoff, Pincus & Green, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights and interests of workers and can help seek compensation and damages for those who are owed. Contact us online or call 215-574-0100 today to find out how we can help. With offices in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and South Jersey.