PBS op/ed: Executive order to lift overtime threshold

I don't know how I feel about this. Are there really that many salaried workers under $70k that work that many hours over 40?

I'm in IT and did it in the past on occasion, but it was always with the idea of a greater goal in mind. We usually got compensated with flex-time or something that seemed appropriate.

17 years in I'm over the threshold, but any overtime is done recognizing that many job is about getting "it" done. In return, things are pretty slack about lunchtime, errands, etc. In addition, some of the stiff I might do, like working today, needs to be done to stay competitive for the next job.

Overall I guess I support it, but I was very happy to jump from wage-slave class (having to punch a clock) to salaried (task or role-based work).

 

A huge percentage of teachers would fall into that category.

 

True. Question is, would the market adjust by simply lowering the starting salary? I know a guy who got paid $22k for his first year...and worked 10-12 hours a day. It's ridiculous. However, it's not unusual for markets dominated by unions to pay very low wages to new entrants to the market. Those with tenure have sweet benefits and rarely quit, depressing demand for new talent.

It's kind of like the flight attendant situation.

 

There are 2 other branches of government aside from the congress. You think they shouldn't do their jobs? The USSC just struck down the EPA's MATS rule by the stroke of a pen and with no prior congressional approval. Does that mean our democracy is bankrupt?