By On behalf of The Law Offices of Roderick V. Hannah, Esq., P.A.
An expansion in the number of employees who are eligible to receive overtime pay could have a significant impact on the paychecks of scores of Florida residents. Experts say that the new measures are designed to ensure that certain low-wage workers in the service industry, along with middle managers, are properly compensated for the work they perform. The new wage laws will likely benefit the state’s retail assistant managers, along with fast-food supervisors and others who serve in similar capacities.
Official reports show that about 10 million Americans would benefit from the new laws, so long as the regulations are extended to those who make less than $50,000 annually. Proponents of the new regulations say that a hiring blitz could occur as employers attempt to avoid additional overtime charges for existing employees. Further, the change will protect salaried workers who often work 60 or more hours per week, often translating to less than minimum wage.
Current wage and hour laws permit employers to exempt salaried workers from time-and-a-half pay if they earn more than $455 per week . That translates to as little as $24,000 per year, according to official estimates. Workers who fall into that category must be described as executive, professional or administrative employees.
Experts in the state say that the raise in overtime pay requirements could have an even more obvious impact than a simple hike in the minimum wage. That is because many employers rely on certain wage exemptions to squeeze more work out of their middle managers. Those who fall into the $30,000 per year category are often exploited because of the current employment rules, according to many financial gurus.
Florida employees who have not been properly compensated for their work deserve damages for their negative experiences. A Florida employment attorney may be able to provide additional assistance for those who believe they have been treated unjustly. Employees who have been victimized may benefit from consulting a local employment lawyer.
Source: Tampa Bay Times, “Obama's push to expand overtime could mean big changes for Florida” Drew Harwell, Mar. 12, 2014
