Daines Fights for Flexibility for Montana Working Families

Press Release

Congressman Steve Daines today applauded the House passage of the Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013, legislation that provides American workers with the flexibility needed to better balance the needs of family and the workplace.

The Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013 provides working parents with much-needed flexibility to voluntarily choose paid time off as compensation for overtime hours worked -- just like public-sector workers.

"Montanans working for private employers deserve the same workplace flexibility that public sector employees receive," Daines stated. "As the father of four, I understand how difficult it can be for many Montana families to balance the demands of work with the needs of family life. Working parents deserve the flexibility to spend time with their families, attend their kids' sporting events or care for their aging parents. Montanans shouldn't be forced to choose between work and family."

Public-sector employees have had the option to choose paid-time off or 'comp time' instead of cash wages for 30 years. The Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013 would update an outdated law to give private-sector workers the same option.

All existing protections in the Fair Labor Standards Act are maintained in the Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013, including the 40-hour work week and how overtime compensation is accrued. The bill adds additional safeguards for workers to ensure the choice and use of comp time are truly voluntary. No employee can be forced to take comp time instead of receiving overtime pay.

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