Workers Would Get Major Overtime Pay Bump Under Proposed Bill
Summary
A new bill introduced in the U.S. Senate would increase overtime pay from 1.5 times to double the regular hourly wage for hours worked beyond 40 per week. The change aims to give millions of American workers more money for extra hours, starting about six months after the bill passes.Key Facts
- Senator Ruben Gallego from Arizona introduced the Double the Wage for Overtime Act of 2026.
- The bill would change the overtime pay standard from "time-and-a-half" to double time.
- This would affect workers who earn overtime for hours worked over 40 in a week.
- Approximately 13.4 million workers could benefit from the change.
- For example, someone earning $25 an hour working 10 overtime hours would get an extra $6,500 a year under the new rate.
- The proposal would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act, which has had the current overtime rule since 1938.
- Supporters say it helps workers with rising costs of living; critics worry about higher business costs.
- Some industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and construction could see significant pay increases for overtime work.
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