Slow Death on the Vine? 5th Circuit Grants Second Extension in Overtime Suit

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Since the government's appeal of in injunction issued in December 2016 by Judge Amos Mazzant that blocked the implementation of the Obama administration's overtime rule overhaul, employers have been waiting to see whether the new administration will take up the battle cry or fall back and retreat.
 
This week, and for the second time since the government filed its appeal, the Fifth Circuit granted an extension of 60 days, or to and including June 30, 2017, for the government to file a reply brief. 
 
Clearly, the government is waiting on the confirmation of Alexander Acosta as the new Secretary of Labor, and expects him to provide guidance regarding the administration's position on this issue.  Assuming that Acosta is confirmed, and based on his confirmation hearing testimony, it is unlikely that the Department of Labor will continue the appeal.  What is unknown is whether Acosta will consider more modest changes to the current overtime rules in the future.



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