"Historically, labor unions have pushed vigorously for overtime pay. But
the waning power of unions and the probusiness climate within the Department of Labor have changed the dynamics."
St. Petersburg Times
Economy increases overtime tension
As employers push to get more out of each worker, a plan to overhaul overtime rules raises hackles and questions.
By JEFF HARRINGTON, Times Staff Writer
Published November 10, 2003
Opening words--
As
a claims adjuster at insurer USAA's office in Tampa, Angie DiPiazza often worked as late as 10 o'clock weeknights to keep
up with her case load. She wasn't alone. She said she used to notice other "little heads popping out of their cubicles" in
the evenings.
Yet she was happy, DiPiazza said. Until she broached the idea of being paid overtime.
"My boss said he would talk to his boss," she said, "and the next thing you know I was written up for working
outside my hours.
"People are so afraid if they put down the hours they work they're going to get fired. They're going to get
written up. They're going to lose promotions. They're not going to get the special assignments that let them stand out. That
is the atmosphere that is created." ...
[This article discusses many different viewpoints on the problems
of overtime for both employees and management.]
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