Gallego Bill Would Put More Overtime Money into Workers’ Pockets

The Double the Wage for Overtime Act would increase the overtime rate from time-and-a-half to double WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) today introduced the Double the Wage for Overtime Act , legislation that would increase the regular rate for hours worked beyond 40 hours from 1.5 times a worker’s regular hourly rate, to double their hourly rate. “Workers have not seen their overtime rate double in nearly 90 years. And at a time when families are stretching every dollar to afford their needs, increasing the overtime rate will put more money in their pockets,” Senator Gallego said. The Double the Wage for Overtime Act would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to increase overtime pay from 1.5 times to 2 times a worker’s regular rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. A worker making $25 an hour and working 10 hours overtime a week would make $6,500 more a year as a result of the bill. Analysis from the Economic Policy Institute shows the bill would help roughly 13.4 million workers, according to the Economic Policy Institute. “CWA members across a number of industries and sectors have seen for years that employers would like nothing more than to work us to the bone. We have fought hard at the bargaining table to make sure that our members are compensated fairly for their hard work, but every worker in this country deserves to be guaranteed better compensation when they’re being routinely forced to give up time with their families, their kids, to miss important moments, or even simply to get a moment to relax. The Double the Wage for Overtime Act compensates working families for the sacrifices we make. I thank Senator Gallego for his leadership on this important issue and encourage the Senate to consider it quickly,” said CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. “Each and every day, AFSCME members go above and beyond to keep our streets clean and our communities safe, sacrificing time with family to get the job done,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “They, and all working people who put in overtime, should be compensated accordingly. The Double the Wage for Overtime Act is long overdue and necessary to keep up with the cost-of-living crisis. We thank Sen. Gallego and Reps. Casar, Jayapal and Horsford for their leadership. Now it’s time for the rest of Congress to follow their lead and pass this bill.” “Working families are getting crushed by President Trump’s high prices and paychecks that aren’t keeping up. Doubling overtime wages would boost the economy and put more money into workers’ pockets, accurately reflecting the contribution overtime workers make to keep our economy moving and easing strain on household budgets,” Alex Jacquez, Chief of Policy and Advocacy at Groundwork Action said. “EPI has long pointed out that worker pay is also a policy choice. Raising the overtime rate of pay would boost workers’ income, provide a stronger deterrent against overworking employees, and help to reverse the decades-long erosion of overtime protections. A double overtime rate would be a simple, fair way to put more money in workers’ pockets. This bill would address a key concern with affordability – making sure that workers actually earn enough in wages to cover the costs of living with dignity and security,” Samantha Sanders, Director of Government Affairs & Advocacy at the Economic Policy Institute said. “It has been 88 years since the 40-hour work week was established, ensuring that workers receive time and a half pay when they work overtime. Today, Americans are forced to work grueling hours just to provide the basics for their families — with no hope that higher productivity will translate into a decent raise, let alone more time to spend with loved ones. The Double the Wage for Overtime Act would finally update our overtime laws, recognizing that workers deserve their fair share and adequate time off the job,” Rajiv Sicora, UAW Legislative Director said. “Voices for Progress applauds Senator Gallego’s effort to increase overtime pay, putting money in the pockets of everyday Americans who are facing stagnating wages while the cost of necessities like utilities, health care, child care, and housing skyrockets. As business leaders, entrepreneurs, employers, and investors, Voices for Progress members know firsthand that empowering workers, ensuring fair pay and adequate time off, is a key part of building an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top,” said Sandra Fluke, President of Voices for Progress. “As a former CEO I know that employees who are well rested and paid fair wages do their best work. That’s why I am thrilled to see Senator Gallego introduce the “Double the Wage for Overtime Act”, said John Driscoll, Chair of UCONN Health and Patriotic Millionaires Board Member. “By doubling overtime pay for roughly 13.4 million workers, this bill deters employers from overworking their employees and not paying them enough. It helps provide more reliable schedules, and will make workplaces safer. When people do work overtime, they’ll spend those extra dollars in their local economies. This legislation is a win for workers, business owners and the whole economy.” “Founded in 1991 by Rev. Al Sharpton, the National Action Network and our chapters nationwide welcome the introduction of the Double the Wage for Overtime Act of 2026. This legislation is a vital necessity for our communities, where everyday families are working incredibly hard but finding that the traditional time-and-a-half standard no longer covers the soaring costs of rent, groceries, and basic living. We urge Congress to pass this bill without delay to deliver immediate, meaningful economic justice and restore real financial stability to working households,” Ebonie Riley, Senior Vice President, National Action Network (NAN) said. The Double the Wage for Overtime Act is cosponsored by Sens. Blumenthal (D-CT), Markey (D-MA), Merkley (D-OR), and Van Hollen (D-MD). The Double the Wage for Overtime Act is supported by Communication Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers (UAW), United Steelworkers (USW), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), UNITE HERE, National Nurses United (NNU), United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Groundwork Action, Economic Policy Institute, Voices for Progress, Patriotic Millionaires, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, One Fair Wage, The National Partnership for Women & Families, Equal Rights Advocates, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Action Network (NAN), Center for Popular Democracy, Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union, National Urban League, Worker Power, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Just Strategy, Our Revolution, End Workplace Abuse, and American Friends Service Committee. Click here for a one-pager of the legislation. Click here for the bill text.