Conflict simmers over new pay rules

[cthrumatrix]

Conflict simmers over new pay rules
By Stephanie Armour, USA TODAY
Controversial federal rules governing who gets overtime go into effect next month, and it's not expected to be a smooth transition.
A study this month by Hewitt Associates found at least 20% of companies won't meet the deadline for compliance with the rules.

That could spell trouble: Overtime lawsuits have soared in recent years. The federal government alone recovered more than $212 million in back wages for workers in fiscal 2003, a 21% increase over the previous record amount in 2002.

Under overtime laws, workers get extra pay — generally called "time and a half" — for every hour beyond a 40-hour week. Previously, workers earning less than $8,060 annually were guaranteed overtime. Under the change, workers earning up to $23,660, regardless of the job, will receive overtime.

snip

http://www.usatoday.com/money/workplace/2004-07-26-overtime_x.htm

This is not widely known .... wait til it hits the fan next month.

[cthrumatrix]

1. the candidates should weigh in on this....nursing will get hit "hard"

Hewitt said most companies it has polled won't take away overtime pay. But some workers are worried about overtime losses.

"This will devastate the nursing profession," says Cathy Stoddart, 44, a registered nurse in Pittsburgh. "I have huge concerns. I don't think people in this country realize what's going to happen."

http://www.usatoday.com/money/workplace/2004-07-26-over...

[shoelace414]

3. Nurses won't get overtime?

that's what keeping hospitals open. Nurses working insane hours because of the overtime.

I guess they'll jujst say they are keeping medical costs low by not paying Nurses.

[cthrumatrix]

4. "compassionate conservatism" strikes again

[dixielib]

5. Don't think anyone will cut nurses' overtime

There is a major nursing shortage in the US now. Nurses working overtime are keeping hospitals alive and well.

[Florida_Geek]

7. what shortage......

If you cut Nurses OT pay and the hospitals set the normal workweek at 52 hours..... The shortage goes away..........

[cthrumatrix]

2. Up to 6 Million could lose their over time pay...starting next month

Critics disagree. More than 6 million workers could lose overtime pay under the new regulations, according to an analysis this month by the Economic Policy Institute. A report commissioned by the AFL-CIO found the rules will leave many workers who now get overtime without the extra pay.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/workplace/2004-07-26-over...

[Kokonoe]

6. Time to join a union

The law is for non union workers. Another reason republicans hate unions.

[havocmom]

8. Repeal of this thing gonna be one of many October Surprises?

The junta and GOP congress critters are gonna need a whole lotta happy talk to pull the election out of the crapper. The OT changes go into effect in late August? People come up short on pay in Sept and grumble big time. Congress, in its ever-responsive habit of responding to the plight of the average American worker<//sarcasm> interrupts campaigning to immediately pass a bill repealing the overtime change.

Think about it. They spend years cutting the ground out from under the American rank and file but a move to 'save overtime' just before election would work for them because people collectively have a short attention span and there wouldn't be enough time to expose the ruse before Nov. 2.

[cthrumatrix]

9. major flop...Bush is already gainst raising min wage..Kerry is for a raise

I know this is a different issue...but AWOL cut his deal with corps...and now the people can see he really doesn't give crap about hourly workers

[havocmom]

10. Most people don't remeber so well

And the thugs can always give more to the corporations after they get re-elected. The corporations will forgive a little ploy like this just proir to the election if it works out to their advantage in short order.

Gotta remember, most people are not like most DUers. Very short attention spans and the media under control works in the GOPs favor.

[struggle4progress]

11. kick

:kick: