[Claims for Overtime Pay]

A union official requested a decision on overtime pay claims of three naval ship repair facility employees who spent approximately 50 hours traveling to and from their temporary duty station. GAO determined that the employees were not entitled to overtime pay for travel performed under the circumstances, because they did not meet the statutory requirements for overtime pay while in a travel status as set forth in the U.S. Code. However, the appropriate official who approved travel during nonduty hours should state his reason in writing and, upon request, furnish a copy to the employees in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations. Regarding entitlement under the Fair Labor Standards Act, GAO found that, although there is no extra entitlement under the act for the return travel, they may be entitled to 8 hours overtime for travel to the temporary duty station if they meet the other statutory requirements.