Even if the "Comp Time" bill passes the Senate, it will face its biggest challenge in the White House. President Clinton is expected to veto the legislation to honor his 1996 presidential campaign promise to organized labor.

Under H.R.1, also known as the "Comp Time" bill, businesses can offer their employees the option of receiving money or time-off as compensation for overtime work (See LASN December 1996, "No More Overtime?"). Introduced by Representative Cass Ballenger (R-NC), the bill passed the House by a 12-vote margin and is approved by the Senate Labor Committee. Supporters of the legislation contend that the bill means more flexibility for Americans, who will be able to balance work and family better. Opponents, however, feel the bill undermines the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney, in a released statement, comments: "H.R.1 is all about flexibility for employers, not employees. This bill does nothing to prevent an employer from discriminating -- in hiring or in the award of overtime -- against those employees who want paid overtime compensation."

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