Yes. If non-exempt employees work overtime hours, they must be paid, even if they are unapproved. That is why it is critical to establish how overtime approval will be managed and communicated to everyone in your unit. The guidance for affected employees should reiterate that employees should seek approval before working any overtime. You can help by establishing rules in your unit for seeking approval in advance for projects or events that may be deadline-driven and require additional hours. Since more employees in your unit may now be eligible for overtime, you must consider this impact when planning your overtime budget.
Note that if an employee continues to work overtime without supervisory approval, the supervisor should begin disciplinary action with the employee and in consultation with the Employee Relations Department.