New Bill Would Extend No Tax on Overtime to All Transport Workers  

A new, bipartisan bill introduced Thursday and backed by the Transport Workers Union of America would expand the No Tax on Overtime policy to include about three million workers who are currently ineligible for a tax deduction on overtime earnings.  

“Half of our membership is currently ineligible for this critical tax break and the TWU will not rest until all blue-collar workers are deemed eligible for the overtime earnings tax break,” TWU International President John Samuelsen said. “Pro-worker lawmakers from both parties are stepping up to deliver thousands of dollars in yearly savings for transport workers and their families.” 

The TWU raised the alarm this summer that workers employed by airlines, railroads, school bus companies, and motor coach carriers were ineligible for the new overtime tax deduction for up to $25,000 in earnings – a potential savings of up to $6,000 per year. The law relies on an outdated definition of overtime work that dates back to 1938.  

In July, a group of 20 unions and affiliates signed a TWU-drafted letter to House and Senate leaders urging them to expand the number of workers covered in the legislation. 

“We will not rest until TWU members in all divisions get the tax break they deserve for going above and beyond to keep the traveling public moving,” Samuelsen said.  

The bill was introduced by Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Emilia Sykes (D-OH), Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Brian Fitzpatrick R-PA), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY). The bill text is attached. 

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The TWU represents more than 160,000 workers across the airline, railroad, transit, universities, utilities and service sectors. The TWU is the largest airline workers union in the United States.

Overtime Bill.pdf