New Overtime Rules to Take Effect Monday By LEIGH STROPE, AP Labor Writer
Sections were added to make clear that police, firefighters and other public safety officers are not exempt from overtime, regardless of rank or pay level. But labor officials say middle- and upper-ranking officers such as lieutenants still could lose overtime.
The rules address jobs that are targets of lawsuits, spelling out what duties would exempt them from overtime. They include pharmacists, funeral directors, embalmers, journalists, claims adjusters, dental hygienists and chefs.
'We wanted clarity and we wanted reduced litigation,' Eastman said. 'Business was willing to accept some potentially increased labor costs in order to get it.'
Union workers covered by contracts will not be affected by changes. But labor leaders argue that unions will face tougher negotiations when their contracts expire because of the new rules.