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DOL issues overtime rules

The U.S Department of Labor (DOL) has issued its long awaited rules governing overtime eligibility for “white collar” workers. The new rules, which the agency has dubbed the “FairPay” rules, are expected to strengthen overtime protections for more American workers than ever before. Under the rules, workers earning $23,660 or less are guaranteed overtime pay. Police officers, paramedics, and other "first responders" as well as "blue collar workers" are also specifically guaranteed overtime. The new rules also streamline the duties tests for the executive, administrative, and professional exemptions, areas that have spawned much litigation in the past. The rules may be accessed on the DOL’s Web site at http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/whd/fairpay/main.htm. According to the Connecticut Department of Labor, the new federal rules will have little impact in Connecticut. The state has its own set of laws and regulations governing these same wage and hour issues, and Connecticut employers must continue to comply with those state law requirements.