Overtime bill for longer-distance bus drivers introduced
A senator from New York has introduced legislation backed by a major labor union for bus drivers that would provide some workers who drive large, over-the-road transport vehicles with overtime pay.
The bill, called the Driver Fatigue Prevention Act, aims to reduce accidents caused by bus drivers who travel between cities by putting a premium on their time and attendance during long shifts, according to the National Legal and Policy Center. Because drivers for national and regional carriers can cover great distances on a single trip, Sen. Charles Schumer, the AFL-CIO and the Amalgamated Transit Union are promoting the act for safety reasons.
The Fair Labor Standards Act provides an exemption to overtime pay for motor carrier drivers engaged in interstate commerce, which reduces financial obligations for the companies that employ such workers. The waiver for extra wages also applies to a variety of associated positions, including driver helpers, mechanics and loaders.
Although it's too early to determine the fate of the proposed legislation, transit companies should consider the use of attendance tracking software to maintain proper records and pay rates ahead of any possible legal action on the matter.
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