UFCW Locals 1776 & 23 Thank Governor Wolf For Commitment To Update Overtime Rules

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Jan. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- UFCW Locals 1776 and 23 today thanked Governor Wolf for his plan that would update Pennsylvania's overtime rules, which have not changed in more than 40 years.

"This is an important step to take in strengthening the middle class in Pennsylvania," said Wendell W. Young IV, president of Local 1776. "Too many Pennsylvanians work more than 40 hours a week with nothing extra to show for their efforts – and it's time that they receive compensation for their hours of work and dedication."  

The Governor's plan would phase in over four years to increase the salary threshold to receive overtime pay beginning in 2020, and starting in 2022, the salary threshold will update automatically every three years.

"Hardworking Pennsylvanians are hurt by the current overtime rule, whose current wage limits have not kept pace with inflation. It is time to bring these rates up to date so that Pennsylvania can remain an attractive place to work and live," said Tony Helfer, president of Local 23.

In addition, UFCW Locals 1776 & 23 are calling for an increase in the state's minimum wage, which has not been increased in more than a decade.

"An increase in worker's pockets would have dividends throughout the state," said Young. "With greater buying power, Pennsylvanians will have more to spend at local businesses."

According to research by the Keystone Research Center, if Pennsylvania's minimum wage were increased, 87% of those who would benefit are adults age 20 and over, and just under one-quarter of the workers who would benefit are parents with children.

Polling shows that more than 60 percent of Pennsylvania voters support a higher wage. In addition, a wage increase would also generate up to $230 million in savings a year for the state Medicaid program.

SOURCE UFCW Local 1776