Threshold For Overtime Pay Increased To Salaries Up To $47,476 Per Year

The increases in overtime eligibility announced by the Department of Labor put more cash in the pockets of the middle class and expand the opportunity for employers to cheat. Wage theft is a major problem in this country. According to the Economic Policy Institute, it amounts to approximately 50 billion dollars per year. The new rules, which increase eligibility for payment to those earning up to $47,476 per year, will not stop wage theft. Employer misconduct will probably increase because the stakes are higher. Employees not paid their overtime can file a complaint with the Department of Labor or retain a firm like Miller Cohen to represent them. The Fair Labor Standards Act requires a losing employer to pay attorney fees and may also require payment of double the amount of the cl aim for intentional misconduct.