Retailers Insurance Agency

Over Time Rules Need Action

Recently, the Department of Labor (DOL) requested information as it considers revising the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to update the exemption from minimum wage and overtime pay (of 1.5 times their regular pay rate) for “executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and computer employees.”

The existing rule defines exempt workers as those who are salaried employees working in “a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity.”[1] Generally speaking, exempt employees were paid a salary that met a certain minimum level (the salary level test), and exempt workers performed duties that were of an executive, administrative, or professional nature. The current regulations have not changed since 2004.

The recent information request proposed a new rule that updates the standard salary level to reflect growth in wages and salaries and allows incentive payments, like commissions, to count toward up to 10 percent of the standard salary level. The DOL’s intention going forward is to propose updates to the salary threshold every four years.

This proposed rule would apply the 2004 methodology to current data (the DOL anticipates using 2018 data in the final rule). Allowing incentive payments like commissions to count toward up to 10 percent of the standard salary level is meant to modernize the rule to more accurately reflect current employment practices. The current proposed salary threshold of $679 per week keeps the 2004 methodology, while updating the level to reflect wage growth since 2004. Would you like to see a greater percentage of—or even all—commission recognized as income for overtime purposes. If yes you should contact your congressman or the DOL.

Are you traveling for the holidays?
Here are 15 top tips to keep your home safe while you are away:
1. Make sure alarm systems and motion sensors are in place and working properly. Connect these to your phone to monitor activity at all times of day.
2. Use automatic lights to scare potential robbers away.
3. Let a neighbor know you are leaving and the amount of time you will be gone.
3. Keep all trees and bushes trimmed. Overgrown shrubbery can be a good place for burglars to hide.
4. Unplug appliances to avoid fires and excess electric use.
5. Keep your thermostat as low as possible. This will save you money on electricity.
6. Close windows and blinds so intruders cannot see in.
7. Double-check all doors and windows are locked.
8. Arrange for mail/newspapers to be temporarily stopped or have a neighbor pick these up for you. Piled up deliveries could signal a vacant home and make your house a target for intruders.
9. Make sure holiday decorations are running properly to avoid disasters while away. Check that all plug-in lights and decorations are in proper condition as not to start a fire, while you are away.
10. Consider placing a camera on your home and linking to your phone to keep an eye on activity.
11. Keep a car in the driveway to trick potential intruders into thinking someone is home.
12. Avoid broadcasting the vacation via social media. You don’t want the world to know your home is left unattended.
13. Hire a snow removal service or neighbor to keep your driveway and paths clear when you return.
14. Leave a spare key with a neighbor.
15. Lock away valuables in a safe.
Have a safe and happy holiday from your Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agent!

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