Biden to extend overtime protections for one million workers

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — President Joe Biden is extending overtime protections to one million workers who make less than the median individual salary and is vowing to take more action if reelected.

Low-wage salaried workers could see more money in their pockets if they work overtime.

“The goal here is to protect workers,” said Jessica Looman of the Department of Labor.

Starting this week, the Department of Labor says salaried workers who earn less than $844 a week are eligible for overtime if they work more than 40 hours.

“Maybe managers, maybe supervisors, maybe administrative workers of some sort,” Looman said.

The White House says this new rule will impact about one million workers who make less than $43,000 a year.

“We really think that this helps workers. It also helps employers, and it also helps our economy,” Looman said.

Looman says this means higher paychecks and more time with loved ones.

“They are able to spend more time with their family and their friends and have some of their time back,” Looman said.

The plan is facing challenges from organizations like the National Association of Home Builders.

In a statement, the group ​urged the Labor Department to change course from what the group calls a “one-size-fits-all” approach to overtime rules.

The Heritage Foundation says Congress should be the ones to set overtime rules and not government agencies.

They’re concerned this change could reduce the flexibility some salaried workers have.

Overtime will be adjusted again in January when the threshold increases to $58,000, impacting another three million workers.

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