To: U.S. Department of Labor

Fix Overtime: Raise the Overtime Salary Threshold to $50,440

We applaud and support the Department of Labor’s proposal to help millions of low- and middle-income workers by increasing the overtime salary threshold from $23,660 to $50,440. If implemented, this rule change would guarantee coverage for an additional 13.5 million workers—giving them the right to receive the overtime pay they deserve.

Unfortunately, corporate lobbyists—including the National Retail Federation, which includes Walmart—are trying to run out the clock on this proposed rule change. They are trying to get the Department of Labor to extend the public comment period beyond the September 4 deadline and possibly delay implementation indefinitely.

In the face of opposition from Big Business and its unlimited financial resources, please do not back down from your position. The future of the American middle class depends on bold policy decisions such as this one.

Why is this important?

For over 30 years, wages in America have remained stagnant while productivity has increased and corporate profits have reached all-time highs. In order for more of those corporate profits to reach the pockets of workers, not just the wealthy few, we need updated rules governing worker protections such as overtime pay and the minimum wage.

In 1975, the overtime threshold covered over 60 percent of salaried workers. Today, only 8 percent are covered. Raising the salary threshold—the level below which all workers are guaranteed overtime pay—to $50,440 would increase the share of salaried workers covered significantly.

Earlier this year, EPI supporters delivered thousands of petition signatures urging the Department of Labor to increase the overtime salary threshold, and thanks to you we’re almost there.

The Department of Labor’s 60-day comment period ends Friday, September 4, and they need to hear from you!

Big Business—including the National Retail Federation, the National Association of Home Builders, and other corporate lobbyists—are once again opposing common-sense approaches to raising workers’ wages. They are demonizing this new rule and misrepresenting how it will positively impact the lives of workers and their families.

Millions of workers need our help!