Helix Energy Solutions Group v. Hewitt is a case that was brought in the lower courts by Michael Hewitt, an oil rig worker who is arguing that he should get overtime pay. He works atypical hours but earns more than $200,000 a year. He works well over 40 hours a week but has not been allowed overtime pay. The question is how to interpret complicated regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act to determine where his case fits. 

If Hewitt wins, it will allow people with atypical shifts and work hours to be eligible for overtime pay. SCOTUSBlog has noted that although $200,000 is a lot of money, the decision in this case would impact oil rig workers and nurses and other jobs one would not think of as highly paid executive work. 

If Helix Energy Solutions wins, it will further erode the protections of the Fair Labor Standards Act under this Court’s decisions. A decision in their favor would mean that someone who picks up extra shifts or works for weeks without rest doing physical labor would not be compensated for overtime pay.