Judge Puts Overtime Pay for Millions in Limbo as Republicans Rejoice
"A federal judge on Tuesday halted an Obama administration rule that would have expanded overtime pay for millions of workers, a decision that was slammed by employees' rights advocates. The U.S. Department of Labor rule, which was set to go into effect on December 1, would have made overtime pay available to full-time salaried employees making up to $47,476 a year. It was expected to touch every nearly every sector in the U.S. economy. The threshold for overtime pay was previously set at $23,660, and had been updated once in 40 years—meaning any full-time employees who earned more than $23,600 were not eligible for time-and-a-half when they worked more than 40 hours a week. Tuesday's decision keeps the rule from being implemented while U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant of Texas considers opposing arguments by a number of business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and 21 states. Mazzant said the Labor Department had overstepped its authority by raising the threshold so significantly. With the GOP set to control both chambers of Congress and the White House, the rule faces an uncertain future—but Republicans and corporate interests are already rejoicing."
