Fair Labor Standards Act

Definition

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1938 that sets minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards. This legislation was pivotal in advancing workers' rights, ensuring fair compensation and working conditions, while addressing the exploitation of labor during a time of economic hardship and social unrest. The FLSA has been instrumental in shaping the modern labor movement and continues to influence labor relations today.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The FLSA was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the New Deal reforms aimed at improving labor conditions during the Great Depression.
2. The initial minimum wage set by the FLSA was $0.25 per hour, which has increased significantly over the years through various amendments.
3. The act established the 40-hour workweek as a standard, leading to regulations on overtime pay for hours worked beyond that limit.
4. Exemptions from the FLSA include certain professions such as executives, administrative staff, and certain types of skilled workers who are not entitled to overtime pay.
5. The FLSA's provisions have been critical in reducing child labor in the United States by limiting working hours and setting age restrictions for employment.

Review Questions

• How did the Fair Labor Standards Act influence workers' rights during its inception in 1938?
  • The Fair Labor Standards Act had a profound impact on workers' rights by establishing protections that ensured fair wages and reasonable working hours. It addressed widespread exploitation in the labor market during the Great Depression, setting a minimum wage and defining overtime pay, which helped to elevate the standard of living for many workers. This act also marked a significant shift towards government intervention in labor practices, laying the groundwork for future labor reforms and movements.
• Discuss how the establishment of minimum wage through the Fair Labor Standards Act has evolved over time and its impact on contemporary labor issues.
  • Since its inception, the minimum wage established by the Fair Labor Standards Act has undergone numerous adjustments to reflect inflation and changes in living costs. As public awareness of income inequality has grown, debates about raising the federal minimum wage have intensified, with many advocating for a living wage that adequately supports workers' basic needs. This ongoing discussion highlights how the FLSA remains relevant in addressing contemporary labor issues, influencing policies at both federal and state levels.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Fair Labor Standards Act on labor movements and worker protections in the United States.
  • The Fair Labor Standards Act has had lasting effects on labor movements and worker protections by establishing foundational rights that continue to guide labor relations today. It not only paved the way for subsequent legislation aimed at further protecting workers' rights but also inspired collective action among labor unions advocating for better conditions. The act's emphasis on fair wages and safe working environments has led to an ongoing evolution of labor standards, reflecting society's changing views on economic justice and worker dignity.

Related terms

Minimum Wage:

The lowest legal wage that can be paid to workers, established by the FLSA to protect workers from unduly low pay.

Overtime Pay: Additional compensation required by the FLSA for hours worked beyond a standard workweek, usually calculated at one and a half times the regular rate.

Child Labor Laws: Regulations aimed at protecting minors from exploitation in the workforce, established under the FLSA to limit the hours and conditions under which children can work.