Overtime Rule Critics Follow Well-Worn Path by Seeking Delay

Labor, Employment and Benefits attorney Timothy Taylor was quoted in a Law360 article discussing the controversy surrounding the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) proposed rule raising the overtime threshold for certain workers. Critics of the rule are seeking to delay the process by requesting an extension of the 60-day comment window, arguing that it needs an in-depth assessment of its economic impact. However, supporters of the proposal believe that the comment period is sufficient, saying requests to extend it reflect opposition to the rule instead of a genuine need for more time. Mr. Taylor commented on the importance of assessing the economic impact of the proposed overtime rule as a way to thoroughly understand the consequences of what could be a significant change.

"It's more time to fully assess and understand the impact that such a substantial increase in the overtime threshold and the lowering of the highly compensated employee threshold are going to have on their businesses, on their governments and on their livelihoods," he said.

The debate over the comment period's length may impact the rule's finalization and its vulnerability to congressional review, depending on the outcome of future elections.

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