DeLauro: Time For Pro-Family Legislation That Protects American Workers

Statement

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today announcing her opposition to Republican legislation that would effectively end the right to overtime pay.

"The bill before the House of Representatives today aims to end overtime pay and bring an end to the forty-hour work week. The House Majority routinely attempts to accelerate a race to the bottom, strip workers of basic rights and protections, and undermine the foundations of the American middle class.

"This legislation eliminates the 75-year-old statute guaranteeing overtime pay for work over forty hours a week. Millions of hard-working American families rely on that overtime pay to get by. Instead, this bill would allow employers to provide comp time. But there are no guarantees for working people that they can take the time when they need it. And there are no avenues in this bill for workers to file grievances if employers do not comply.

"We need serious solutions to the economic problems facing American families. Wages have stagnated for decades and, unlike in every other competitive economy in the world, Americans have no guarantee to time off from work when they are sick, or when they need to care for a sick child or ailing relative. This lack of sick days hurts the economy, hurts workers and families, and poses serious public health risks, especially in industries like food service.

"We need to pass laws that provide employees with paid time off when they need it. TheHealthy Families Act would allow workers up to seven job-protected paid sick days annually. It builds on and reflects the pro-family laws in Connecticut, as well as in cities like San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Oregon and Washington, DC.

"Yet, this Majority refuses to give the Healthy Families Act an airing. They keep trying to eliminate worker protections and undermine workers' paychecks and benefits. America's families sent us here to represent their interests and needs, not further their economic insecurity."

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