As people enjoy the summer months visiting federal parks and other landmarks, many don’t think about the people working at those destinations. Last month, the President issued an Executive Order modifying the minimum wage requirements for federal seasonal recreational workers.
In 2014, a minimum wage rule was established for parties who contract with the federal government. The wage applied to, among others, outfitters and guides operating on federal lands. These workers conduct multi-day recreational tours and may be required to work substantial overtime hours during the summer season.
Complying with the overtime rule could cause the cost of guided activities on federal lands to increase substantially. Seasonal workers have irregular schedules, a high amount of overtime pay, and a high turnover rate. Increasing minimum wage would result in less hours being offered to the workers, impacting their annual wage.
The new Executive Order holds that federal seasonal recreational workers involved in river running, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, camping, mountaineering activities, recreational ski services, and youth camps will not be subject to increased overtime wage rules. They don't have to be paid overtime in accordance with the 2014 law.
