The movement to secure overtime pay for company-employed truck drivers is gaining momentum. The bipartisan GOT Truckers Act has recently garnered additional support with Rep. Andrea Salinas joining as a co-sponsor, demonstrating renewed interest and backing for this significant legislative effort.
The GOT Truckers Act seeks to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, mandating overtime pay for truckers who exceed 40 working hours per week. Originally, the exemption was intended to discourage excessively long working hours; however, it inadvertently led to many drivers working up to 70 hours a week for a base salary similar to a typical 40-hour workweek.
While the bill specifically targets company drivers, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) argues that its passage would compel shippers and receivers to place greater value on truckers’ time, fostering industry-wide improvements.
“America’s truckers keep our nation’s economy moving, and without the hard work of these men and women, our supply chain would grind to a halt,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer said. “Unbelievably, trucking is one of the only professions in America that is denied guaranteed overtime pay. We are way past due as a nation in valuing the sacrifices that truckers make every single day. This starts with simply paying truckers for all of the time they work.”
Introduced by Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, the House version of the legislation still seeks broader support. Van Drew emphasizes the essential role that truckers play in the national supply chain, advocating for a fairer compensation structure as a basic acknowledgment of their contributions.
Initially co-sponsored by Rep. Mark Takano of California, the bill now sees further alignment with Salinas’ endorsement, signaling potential progress in its legislative journey. Parallel efforts are underway in the Senate, with Sen. Alex Padilla of California introducing a corresponding bill, S3273, backed by five co-sponsors.
For those interested in promoting the GOT Truckers Act, visit FightingForTruckers.com for more information on how to engage your lawmakers and support this pivotal initiative.
Source: Land Line
