SLC Times

Senator Mike Lee has introduced the Working Families Flexibility Act, a new bill intended to help employees manage work-life balance by allowing them to choose between monetary compensation or comp-time for overtime work. This legislation is co-sponsored by Senators James Lankford, Kevin Cramer, Marsha Blackburn, and Shelley Moore Capito.

Senator Lee emphasized the need for flexibility, stating that time is a precious commodity for families, especially those with young children. "But today, federal labor laws restrict the way moms, dads, and everyone else can use their time. For decades, Congress has given a special exemption from these laws to government employees. This is unacceptable. The same work-life options available to government employees should be available to private-sector workers, as well," said Sen. Lee.

Senator Capito highlighted the importance of the act for parents who balance multiple responsibilities. “Working parents provide for their families, make ends meet, and take care of all the responsibilities that come with maintaining a household. That’s why now more than ever, moms and dads need the flexibility to maintain work-life balance at home,” she said. “Our legislation, the Working Families Flexibility Act, would help provide that flexibility by lifting restrictions on private-sector workers and affording them the same options government workers have when it comes to using their overtime benefits.”

The bill aims to offer greater flexibility for workers by allowing employers to provide the option of comp time or overtime pay, both accrued at 1½ times the overtime hours worked. Employers choosing to offer this option must establish a written agreement with employees, allowing them to decide which option suits their needs best. Comp time agreements would be included in collective bargaining agreements for union-represented employees.

Under the proposed legislation, employees could accrue up to 160 hours of comp time each year and would be allowed to "cash out" accrued comp time at any point during the year. The act maintains current employee protections and safeguards to ensure voluntary choice in opting for comp time. Additionally, employers would be required to pay the traditional overtime rate for any unused comp time at the end of each calendar year.

The Working Families Flexibility Act seeks to eliminate discrimination against private-sector employees and acknowledges the need for parents to balance work and family obligations. It also aims to reduce the burden of federal regulation by providing workers the ability to prioritize between time and money.