Kerry Press Release: Kerry Statement on New Overtime Report

[Skinner]

For Immediate Release
July 13, 2004

Kerry Statement on New Overtime Report

Boston, MA – Senator John Kerry released the following statement today on the new analysis of the Bush administration’s overtime regulations by former Department of Labor officials:

“The Bush administration's new overtime regulations represent a shameful assault on the paychecks of hard-working Americans at a time when they are already putting in more hours, paying more for every day costs and saving less than ever before.

“Getting paid for an honest day’s work has been a bedrock principle in America for nearly 70 years. Workers should be paid what they deserve when they take time away from their families and put in more than 40 hours a week. That is why a Kerry-Edwards administration will waste no time in reversing this affront to millions of workers, and in restoring their fundamental right to get overtime pay whenever they work more than 40 hours a week.”

-30-

Fact Sheet on Findings of New Study on Changes to Overtime

Independent Study of Changes to Overtime Regs Documents Serious Failures. An independent study by three top former Department of Labor (DOL) officials who have served in previous administrations concludes that recent changes in overtime regulations issued by the Bush administration:

§ Remove existing overtime protection for large numbers of employees covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA);

§ Exempt a greater proportion of the workforce overall than Congress originally intended when it passed the FLSA; and,

§ Fail to protect and promote the interests of working people, which was the law’s “core organizational mission.”

The Report Documents Dozens of Ways Low-Wage Workers Will Be Hurt. The report belies the Bush administration’s claim that nobody earning less than $100,000 a year will be hurt by the changes. In fact, it documents dozens of ways in which those earning as little as $23,000 annually will lose income.

The Report Reflects the Findings of Three Experienced Public Servants. John Fraser, one of the report’s authors, served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment Standards in the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) from 1987 to 1990, and as Deputy Wage and Hour Administrator from 1990 through 2000. The other authors, Monica Gallagher and Gail Coleman have also served in ranking DOL positions that oversaw FLSA regulations in the Reagan, Bush, Sr. and Clinton administrations.

The Bush Administration’s Changes Wipe Out 65 Years of Worker Protection. For over 65 years, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has protected American workers by requiring employers to pay most workers time-and-a-half for more than 40 hours of work per week. Due to the Bush Administrations changes, American workers will now be denied the overtime pay they depend on to provide for their families and make ends meet.

John Kerry and John Edwards Voted to Protect American Workers. Both John Kerry and John Edwards voted to stop the Bush administration from eliminating overtime pay protections for millions of American workers. (September 10, 2003)

www.johnkerry.com

Paid for by John Kerry for President, Inc.

[papau]

1. Excellent papers being put out by campaign - but our media will say

nothing - lest they be called unbalanced in coverage!

:-(

[Zorra]

2. John Kerry has a long history of supporting workers and their rights.

"Today, America is still being built by everyday men and women who work hard and do what’s right. They raise their kids, help their neighbors, and love their country. They don’t ask for special favors – all they want is a chance to get ahead. They deserve a President who will offer action not just words. We are stronger when we work together. When we protect the right to organize for our workers. When we fight for fair wages, affordable health care, and the chance for a better education. When we create good jobs for every American who wants one. And when we spread opportunity to every American who hopes for it. This is the America I want to lead. This is the America I know we can have. And this is the America I ask you to join me in building."

--John Kerry, May 16, 2004

http://www.johnkerry.com/communities/workers/

[Catfight]

3. Kerry must have a commercial about this, this is a HUGE difference

between Bush's regime and Kerry's administration.

[redstaterebel]

4. I love getting campaign updates in my e-mail...

That way, I can print them out and confront my repuke coworkers with it.

They always give me a blank stare when I show them Kerry's position on things--too stupid to come up with a response.

It's the little things that bring joy to my life.

[oasis]

5. kick

[Zomby Woof]

6. this issue should be played up

I know lots of working people angered by Bush's OT revisions, and if any of them could be pushed to vote for Kerry, this is one avenue to that end.