Statement by California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski

The Assembly approval of AB 1565 is a huge victory for California’s working people. When President Obama issued an updated overtime rule in 2016, it was long overdue. Millions of low- and moderate-income workers have been putting in long hours on the job without fair compensation.

The Trump Administration refused to defend the Obama rule after a Texas judge ruled to put it on hold, leaving California no choice but to act to protect overtime pay for workers. AB 1565 restores the increased threshold for overtime pay, meaning working people will receive the hard-earned dollars they deserve for working extra hours.

California continues to lead in pushing back against Trump’s attacks on workers’ rights. It is imperative that the state Senate sides with working people over Trump by passing this important measure.

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The California Labor Federation is made up of more than 1,200 unions, representing 2.1 million union members in manufacturing, retail, construction, hospitality, public sector, health care, entertainment and other industries