The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a United States labor law that establishes standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment. It was enacted to protect workers from unfair labor practices and to ensure that they receive fair compensation for their work. The FLSA applies to both private and public sector employers and covers a wide range of employees, including those working in interstate commerce, government, and certain other industries. The law sets forth rules regarding the payment of at least the federal minimum wage and requires that employees be compensated at a rate of one and a half times their regular pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Additionally, it establishes regulations regarding the employment of minors to safeguard their well-being and ensure that they are not exploited in the workforce.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal labor law that sets minimum wage and regulates overtime pay and child labor. Most employers in the United States are required to comply with FLSA standards.

How does the Fair Labor Standards Act work?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulates minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor. The FLSA applies to most private employers as well as federal, state, and local government agencies, including both part-time and full-time workers.

What are the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) covers four main areas: minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and child labor.

Minimum Wage

The FLSA established the first federal minimum wage. It was initially set at 25 cents per hour, and the minimum wage has increased more than 20 times since 1938. The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.

Overtime

Non-exempt employees under the FLSA are entitled to receive overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours in a week. The overtime pay rate is equal to one and a half times the regular pay rate. For example, if a worker earns $15 per hour and works 42 hours during one workweek, they will earn $15 per hour for the first 40 hours and $22.50 per hour for the last two hours.

Recordkeeping

Employers must display an official poster outlining the basic provisions of the FLSA. They must also keep basic information for each non-exempt employee. This information includes the employee’s name, Social Security number, address, date of birth, hours worked, pay rate, and pay day.

Child Labor

Children under the age of 14 are prohibited from working in jobs covered by the FLSA. This means they are essentially barred from jobs like babysitting, household work, and newspaper delivery. Children under 14 may also work for a family-owned business, provided that the company is entirely family-owned.

What is not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not cover the following: leave, including holiday leave, sick leave, and paid leave, meal or rest breaks, wage increases or benefits, and reasons or notice for termination. However, other state or local laws may cover some of these provisions. For example, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires advance notice for certain plant closings and mass layoffs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of the Fair Labor Standards Act?

The purpose of the Fair Labor Standards Act is to regulate wages, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor for workers.

When was the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) established?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) was enacted in 1938.

Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/fair-labor-standards-act-5537097