A group of House Democrats wants to fundamentally change how American workers are compensated for working overtime, and they say the current system hasn't kept pace in nearly 90 years.
Representative Greg Casar (D-TX) introduced the Double the Wage for Overtime Act this week alongside Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Steven Horsford (D-NV).
The legislation would replace the longstanding time-and-a-half overtime standard with a straight double-pay requirement for any hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek.
The practical impact would be significant for many workers, as under the proposal, someone earning $25 an hour who regularly puts in 10 hours of overtime each week would take home roughly $6,500 more annually.
According to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute, the bill would affect more than 13 million workers nationwide.
Casar emphasized the push as a matter of basic fairness for workers who are logging extra hours but still struggling to get ahead. "After nearly 90 years, our labor laws need to be updated," he said. "If you work overtime, this bill would put money in your pocket by requiring your employer to pay you double for extra hours."
Additional Support
Jayapal echoed that argument, connecting the bill to broader economic pressures squeezing working families. "The American people are facing an affordability crisis, as skyrocketing inflation outpaces workers' wages," she said. "I'm proud to co-lead the Double the Wage for Overtime Act with Rep. Casar to both deter corporations from forcing workers into long, unsustainable hours and to ensure that hardworking Americans get the pay they deserve."
The bill has drawn support from a broad coalition of labor organizations, including the AFL-CIO, SEIU, the Communications Workers of America, National Nurses United, and AFSCME, among others. It is also a centerpiece of the Congressional Progressive Caucus's broader affordability agenda.
Sixteen additional House members have signed on as co-sponsors, representing districts across the country.
