The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a United States federal law enacted in 1938 to establish minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards for employees working in the private sector as well as in federal, state, and local governments. It is administered and enforced by the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the United States Department of Labor (DOL).
The primary purpose of the FLSA is to ensure fair compensation and working conditions for employees. It sets the federal minimum wage, which currently stands at $7.25 per hour. Additionally, it mandates employers to pay overtime wages to eligible employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek, generally at a rate of one and a half times their regular pay.
The Act also establishes guidelines for youth employment, placing restrictions on the type and duration of work that minors can perform. It protects children by establishing minimum age requirements, prohibiting hazardous occupations for individuals under certain ages, and determining maximum work hours for minors.
Moreover, the FLSA requires employers to maintain accurate records of employees' wages, hours worked, and other relevant employment data. Employers must display posters in the workplace informing employees of their rights under the FLSA.
The Fair Labor Standards Act is a crucial legislation that safeguards employees' rights and seeks to ensure that they are justly compensated for their work, while also protecting vulnerable young workers.
