Changes to Washington’s overtime rules could significantly boost the number of professional workers eligible for time-and-a-half pay.
Employees earning up to $74,800 in 2019 could be eligible for overtime, based on a draft concept released by the state Department of Labor and Industries for public comment. The concept links overtime eligibility to a multiplier of the state’s minimum wage, which increases to $12 per hour next year and $13.50 per hour in 2020.
Under one proposal, professional workers earning up to $37,440 in 2019 would be eligible for overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours per week. Under the most aggressive proposal, workers earning up to $74,800 in 2019 would qualify. Some exemptions would apply, based on the individual’s work duties.
Washington hasn’t updated its overtime rules since 1976 and lags behind federal standards.
The draft concept is the first run at updating the rules, which will be refined and subject to two more rounds of public input. As part of the process, the state will conduct a cost-benefit analysis and study the impact on small businesses.
There is no timeline for finalizing the new overtime rules. (Spokesman-Review)
