Fair Labor Standards Act

Definition

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law established in 1938 that sets standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment in the United States. It aims to protect workers from unfair labor practices and ensure that they receive fair compensation for their work, aligning closely with worker protection and labor regulations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The FLSA was enacted during the Great Depression to combat widespread unemployment and exploitative labor practices.
2. It covers most workers in the private sector and also applies to federal, state, and local government employees.
3. Employers must keep accurate records of hours worked and wages paid to ensure compliance with the FLSA.
4. The FLSA provides specific provisions for youth employment, including limits on hours and types of work that minors can perform.
5. The act has been amended several times to increase the minimum wage and expand coverage to more workers, reflecting changes in the economy and society.

Review Questions

• How does the Fair Labor Standards Act impact wage structures for different types of employees?
  • The Fair Labor Standards Act directly impacts wage structures by establishing a federal minimum wage that all covered employees must receive. It also requires that non-exempt employees be paid overtime for hours worked over 40 in a week at a rate of one and a half times their regular pay. This creates a framework that ensures fair compensation across various industries while protecting workers from exploitation.
• Evaluate how the Fair Labor Standards Act addresses issues related to youth employment and its significance in modern labor practices.
  • The Fair Labor Standards Act addresses youth employment through specific regulations that limit the hours minors can work and the types of jobs they can hold. These provisions are significant as they protect young workers from hazardous conditions and ensure that work does not interfere with their education. This reflects a broader societal commitment to safeguarding youth and promoting their development while also balancing workforce needs.
• Assess the broader implications of the Fair Labor Standards Act on worker protection movements in the United States.
  • The Fair Labor Standards Act laid the groundwork for future worker protection movements by establishing critical standards for wages and working conditions. Its enactment inspired subsequent legislation aimed at enhancing worker rights, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act and various anti-discrimination laws. By setting a precedent for federal intervention in labor matters, the FLSA has significantly influenced ongoing debates about workers' rights, economic equity, and social justice within the evolving landscape of American labor relations.

Related terms

Minimum Wage:

The lowest legal hourly wage that an employer can pay to workers, as mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Overtime Pay: Compensation for hours worked beyond the standard 40 hours per week, which must be paid at a rate of at least one and a half times the regular hourly wage under the FLSA.

Child Labor Laws: Regulations that restrict the employment of minors, ensuring that youth work does not interfere with their education or well-being, as outlined by the Fair Labor Standards Act.