Interesting Timing
Reported by Eleanor - August 20, 2004 -
The Special Report with Brit Hume (Jim Angle) (Aug. 20, 6:00 p.m.) spent more than 1/3 of the time on the Viet Nam Swift Boat story. Also, a couple of minutes were spent on the new overtime laws.
Viet Nam - The only thing new that I didn't hear earlier in the day from Carl Cameron was that a group in Hanoi, Viet Nam are supporting Kerry and calling Bush a draft dodger. Also, Kerry is leading in four different CBS polls, but losing with vets. Major Garrett talked about Kerry's Federal Election Commission complaint. The complaint is "frivolous" unless direct contacts between the SBVT and the Bush campaign can be proven. A panel spent 15 minutes on the new ad that airs on Monday and the complaint, in addition to the Cameron and Garrett reports.
New Overtime Law - Steve Brown discussed the update of federal regulations regarding overtime. It ensures overtime protection for over 40 hours worked for those who make less than $23,600 and eliminates overtime for those making over $100,000. Some states have rules that conflict with the new federal law. Brown mentioned some concern about employees that might be reclassified as managers. (Employers could use the new law to avoid paying overtime.) This report ended with a comment about more money for the lowest paid.
Comment: What this report failed to clarify is that the biggest hit will be against millions who make between $23,600 and $100,000. These are the people that "might be reclassified as managers" and lose overtime pay. This pay range is where the bulk of employees fall that have responsibilities that an employer is more likely to reclassify within the new rules concerning executive, managerial, professional or administrative work. If they are not covered by a union, millions are at risk of losing their overtime pay, but I suspect this won't be implemented until after the election. It's not mandatory that employers reclassify to take away overtime. That's up to the employer, but if an employee falls below $23,600, the law will be enforced immediately, and those people will gain overtime pay. Interesting timing.
