Bill would set weekly overtime at 32 hours, with a phase-in

Employers would pay overtime for work beyond the weekly or daily limits. The general rule applies to workers covered by this part of the federal overtime law. Hours beyond 32 in a week, or beyond eight through 12 in a day, would earn at least one and a half times the regular pay rate. Hours beyond 12 in a day would earn at least twice the regular pay rate.

Weekly overtime limits for a separate group of workers would step down to 32 hours. The schedule applies to workers covered by a separate part of the federal overtime law. The 38-hour limit would apply for one year starting at least 180 days after enactment. The limit would be 36 hours in the second year, 34 in the third, and 32 after the third year ends.

Employers could not lower those workers’ weekly pay rate or benefits because the proposed rules bring them under the overtime requirement. It covers workers in the separate overtime group who become covered because of these amendments. The protection applies when these amendments bring a worker under the overtime rule and the cut is due to that change.