Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013

Floor Speech

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Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1406, the so-called Working Families Flexibility Act, which would deal yet another devastating blow to working families who are already scraping by in these tough economic times. Let's look at the facts:

Approximately two-thirds of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.

Since 2000, hourly wages have flat-lined, but productivity has risen 23 percent.

Employee compensation as a share of national income is at its lowest in 50 years, but corporate profits are stronger than ever.

American families are putting in longer hours for less pay; and, colleagues, this bill makes things worse.

If this bill becomes law, which we know it won't, a single mom living paycheck to paycheck could work more than 40 hours a week and receive no overtime pay in her paycheck. She would still have to pay the babysitter that week for the extra hours she spent on the job with no guarantee she'll be able to take the comp time off when she needs it. She would have to accept the days off her employer offers--that might not match her schedule--or else wait up to a year to receive the pay that's rightfully hers. And if the business closes, she's out of luck and out of pay.

Instead of getting a paycheck that includes overtime, she'll be forced to decide between an interest-free loan to her employer, or time off when it's convenient for her boss, not for her. Under this bill, millions of working families who are already living on the edge would work longer hours and take home less pay. They would have less flexibility, not more.

Colleagues, if we really want to talk about flexibility, let's talk about paid sick leave. I urge my colleagues to take a stand for working people and oppose this bill.

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