While many companies in Missouri pay strict attention to complying with the federal guidelines for paying overtime, it can be complicated at times with the differing regulations on a state level. In fact, the specific rules required by state government can create confusion and leave employers struggling to define exactly what protocols to adhere to. According to the United States Department of Labor, the Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to compensate their employees for hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a regular work week. This compensation should be one and a half times their usual pay. There are very few exceptions to this rule. Employers should also note that they are required by federal law to pay the added compensation in the same pay period as it was earned by deserving employees.
While the federal law may seem fairly straightforward, the clear-cut lines can become blurred when state requirements are also taken into consideration. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, overtime exemptions are variable on a state by state basis. Organizational leaders should pay close attention to which jobs are exempt from overtime pay, but from both a federal and state law perspective. There are also different exemptions based on the industry that a company operates as part of. While federal laws require overtime pay for the number of hours worked over 40, state laws may ask that employers also compensate their workers for daily overtime. Employers should be aware that a calendar week and a work week are different. Their attention to these critical details can protect them from potential lawsuits for failing to comply with federal and state laws.
Source: New feed
