John Furner President and CEO | Official website
The National Retail Federation's Executive Vice President of Government Relations, David French, expressed the organization's views on the Department of Labor's (DOL) final overtime rule. French stated, "NRF acknowledges the steps that DOL took to phase in the full impact of the new rules in response to employer concerns." He also mentioned concerns about the impact of the new rules on retailers' ability to offer flexible benefits packages to lower-level exempt employees.
French further raised concerns about the timeline for implementing the new rule, particularly the increase in the minimum salary threshold. He urged the Department to allow more time for retailers to adjust to the changes. French highlighted that the new rules will prompt employers to reassess compensation packages for millions of workers nationwide, potentially affecting their job roles and work arrangements.
The NRF also expressed apprehension about the inclusion of future automatic increases in the overtime rule, which they believe exceeds the Department's legal authority. In November 2023, NRF submitted comments opposing the proposed rule on overtime regulation and commissioned an analysis that found the rule could impact over 7.2 million workers if implemented.
As the leading advocate for the retail industry, NRF is committed to promoting workplace rules that support workplace flexibility and economic growth. With a focus on empowering the industry that drives the economy, NRF continues to educate and communicate the significant impact of retail on local communities and global economies.
Retail is a crucial sector in the U.S. economy, contributing significantly to annual GDP and supporting millions of jobs. NRF's advocacy efforts aim to ensure that retail businesses can thrive while also providing valuable opportunities for workers across the nation.
