On January 23, 2019, the Department of Labor ("DOL") passed along another potential bombshell rule (see our prior post here on the white collar exemption salary threshold rule that's also currently under review) to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs ("OIRA")—this time, it's a proposed rule to update and clarify the definition of "regular rate" under the Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA"). Here's what the DOL said in its fall 2018 agenda:
The Department believes that changes in the 21st century workplace are not reflected in its current regulatory framework. ... The Department is interested in ensuring that its regulations provide appropriate guidance to employers offering these more modern forms of compensation and benefits regarding their inclusion in, or exclusion from, the regular rate. Clarifying this issue will ensure that employers have the flexibility to provide such compensation and benefits to their employees, thereby providing employers more flexibility in the compensation and benefits packages they offer to employees. Similarly, the Department believes that the proposed changes will facilitate compliance with the FLSA and lessen litigation regarding the regular rate.
Once OIRA reviews the rule, it can be released to the public for comment.
Sounds fantastic, doesn't it? Can't wait to see what new and wonderful clarity the DOL has to offer—remember, the general rule is that the "regular rate" (which is used for the calculation of overtime pay for non-exempt employees) must include all forms of remuneration for employment, other than certain specified exceptions. We should expect some employer-favorable clarifications to those "exceptions," which could relate to the ever-elusive concept of "discretionary bonuses," and other compensation perks.
Get excited—the Trump DOL is working for you (employers of the world, that is)!
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