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ESA News Release: [08/18/2004]
Contact Name: Pamela Groover
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Addresses Fraternal Order of Police in Willoughby, Ohio

Labor Secretary Highlights Benefits of New Overtime Security Rule for First Responders

Willoughby, Ohio—The Fraternal Order of Police in Willoughby, Ohio today welcomed U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao’s remarks about the proposed overtime reforms due to take effect on Aug. 23, 2004. Secretary Chao told the group that the new Overtime Security Rule will guarantee that more police, other first responders and millions of hard-working Americans receive overtime pay for their work.

“For the first time in history, the overtime rights of law enforcement officers on the front lines—as well as firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and public safety employees—are strengthened,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “With these new rules, workers will clearly know their rights, employers will know their responsibilities and the department can more vigorously enforce the law. This Administration—which has set new records for aggressive Wage and Hour enforcement—will have strong new standards in place to better protect workers’ pay.”

The new rules expand the number of workers eligible for overtime by nearly tripling the salary threshold. Under the 50-year-old regulations, workers earning up to $8,060 annually were guaranteed overtime. Under the new Overtime Security Rule, workers earning up to $23,660 are guaranteed overtime. The new rule strengthens overtime protection for 6.7 million low-wage salaried workers, including 1.3 million salaried white collar workers who were not entitled to overtime pay under the old regulations. Workers are expected to gain up to $375 million in additional earnings every year as a result of the new Overtime Security Rule.

To provide even stronger overtime protection for workers, the Department’s Overtime Security Rule ensures that “hourly” workers, police officers and other first responders including firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, blue collar workers, licensed practical nurses and more are entitled to overtime protection.

“Thank you for your commitment and hard work, for keeping your fellow citizens safe and for building a more secure nation,” Secretary Chao added. “You are there for us—now we are there for you.”

The final rule was published in the Federal Register on April 23, 2004 and will go into effect on Aug. 23, 2004. The text version is available online at www.dol.gov/fairpay. For further information about the Fair Labor Standards Act, visit the Department’s Wage and Hour Division web page at www.dol.gov. Press contact for the F.O.P. is Chris Granberg (202)547-8189.

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