DES MOINES — The Iowa state legislature recently passed a law stripping overtime pay from potentially thousands of state employees and further reassessing the way those payments are calculated for over 12,000 other workers employed by the state. While Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds recently told one publication in the state that the move would have a “relatively small impact,” the truth is that almost 3,000 state workers once eligible for overtime pay will not be forced to work the same, if not longer, hours and potentially earn less income than they should.
According to reports, an estimated 167 occupations will see classification changes that will mean certain state employees will spend more than 40 hours on the job but not be eligible for one and a half times their average hourly wages like most private sector workers are in the country. Some of those occupations include workers already dealing with long, difficult schedules, demanding duties, and less than stellar pay like nurses, public defenders, and social workers.
Additionally, about 12,800 will have recalculations made to their overtime pay. Workers will no longer be able to factor in comp time hours into the 40-hour overtime threshold for the work week. Comp time is a special type of paid time off only state employees are eligible for and is accrued in place of overtime pay. Previously, workers could theoretically work 40 hours over a four-day period and then use their comp time for the hours of their fifth day of the work week to put them over the time and a half threshold and receive premium overtime pay.
The move is expected to save the state government approximately $5 million per year but could have a greater human cost on workers and citizens relying on state workers to help them cope with hardships. For example, Iowa has reportedly had difficulty fulfilling nursing positions for state institutions due to competition from private sector hospitals and health care institutions who offer more competitive pay and benefits.
Overtime Pay Lawsuit
Call (855) 754-2795 or complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review form on the top right of this page if you feel that your wage rights are being violated under the FLSA. Our top-rated team of unpaid wage lawyers will evaluate your situation to determine your best course of action to help you seek justice.
Our office will also determine if it is in your best interest to file a lawsuit against your employer. Because strict time limitations apply for filing these types of claims, we advise you contact our experienced unpaid overtime wage attorneys at your earliest convenience and preserve your legal rights.