The U.S. Department of Labor has unveiled a new overtime rule that will raise the salary threshold for overtime exemption in two phases. Effective July 1, 2024, the threshold will increase to $43,888 annually, and then further rise to $58,656 annually on January 1, 2025. This change is expected to extend overtime pay protections to an estimated 4 million additional workers.
The rule also increases the total annual compensation requirement for highly compensated employees (HCEs) exempt from overtime to $132,964 on July 1, 2024, and $151,164 on January 1, 2025. Starting July 1, 2027, these thresholds will be automatically updated every three years based on earnings data to keep pace with wage growth.
The new overtime rule represents a significant update to federal wage regulations, aiming to extend overtime pay to millions of additional salaried workers while providing employers time to adjust compensation structures.
California’s minimum wage in 2025 will increase to $16.50 per hour starting January 1, reflecting a 3.18% adjustment based on inflation.
California’s new indoor heat regulations underscores the importance of protecting workers from heat-related illnesses.
The proposed OSHA rule represents a crucial step towards enhancing worker safety in the face of extreme heat.