Computer Professionals Update (CPU) Act Expanding Computer Professionals Exemption Introduced In Senate
Senate Bill 1747, the Computer Professionals Update Act (CPU Act) has been making its way through congress and will significantly impact the amount of time computer professionals will earn in overtime. The CPU amends the Fair Labor Standards Act by expanding the definition of who is an employee in the computer or IT field. It also broadens the duties included under the exemption. If the CPU Act passes, many computer professionals who previously earned overtime will no longer be able to receive overtime compensation.
If you have any questions about the CPU Act or whether you are entitled to overtime pay, it is important to speak to an Atlanta wage and hour attorney. Whether you are exempt or non-exempt can significantly affect your take home pay.
The CPU Act proposes adding new language that exempts employees from earning overtime who work on databases, computer networks, information security and in other IT positions. This means that many more workers in the computer field will be salaried and no longer “hourly.” Because salaried employees are no longer entitled to receive overtime pay, this amendment may result in a significant number of workers receiving less money.
Currently, employees are considered exempt if his or her primary duty include, but are not limited to:
• Applying systems analysis procedures and techniques
• Designing and developing computer systems or programs based on or related to system design specifications
• Designing and development computer programs for machine operating systems.
The new bill would expand these categories, making nearly everyone in the information technology field exempt and unable to claim overtime.
For more information about the CPU act or if you have questions about whether you are exempt or not exempt, contact the dedicated Georgia labor and employment attorneys at Buckley & Klein, P.C. for a confidential consultation.
