Pelosi Statement on President Obama’s Order on New Overtime Pay Protections

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the Labor Department to begin the process of addressing and updating overtime pay protection, and simplifying overtime rules for employers and workers:

"President Obama pledged a ‘year of action' to build an economy that works for everyone – and today, once again, he is acting on his promise to strengthen the hands of workers, support working families, and bolster the middle class.

"For too long, overtime rules have failed to keep pace with the times. As a result, too many families have failed to keep up with their bills. Workers who should be getting overtime pay have been denied their fair share; workers who do receive extra pay still barely bring in enough to make ends meet. The President's action will start us on the road to righting this wrong, to securing living wages for employees, and to upholding fundamental fairness in our workplaces.

"Today's directive is only one step in our effort to close the opportunity gap – and only Congress can take the comprehensive approach needed to get the job done. That starts with renewing emergency unemployment insurance and raising the minimum wage. If Republicans would abandon their policy of obstruction, Congress could build on the President's announcement and do our part to create jobs and grow our economy."

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