Expanding overtime pay

 

The nation’s secretary of labor, Thomas Perez, says it is simply wrong that millions of American workers don’t qualify for overtime pay from their employers.  Perez and the Obama administration have announced a new rule that makes additional workers eligible to be paid for the extra work they do.  But Republicans are worried that there will be a counter-productive effect.  South Carolina’s Tim Scott, during a Senate hearing, called it “hogwash” and questioned whether those pushing the change are living in the real world.  Scott said he fears employers will try to get around the rule by shuffling salaries and creating more part time employers.