Statement by the American Federation of Teachers
on House Vote To Save Workers’ Overtime Protections
 

Washington, D.C. -- A bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives correctly rebuked the Bush administration’s proposal to strip overtime rights from more than 8 million American workers -- including many AFT members such as healthcare professionals, public employees and school-support staff.

While our economy is still struggling to get back on its feet, our government needs to do more to help -- not hurt -- workers’ ability to earn livable wages. 

We urge the Bush administration to heed the intent of the U.S. Congress and protect workers’ right to overtime pay.

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The AFT represents more than 1.3 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals and other school support employees, higher education faculty, nurses and other healthcare workers, and state and local government employees.