Fair Labor Standards Act

Definition

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a landmark piece of legislation enacted in 1938 that established minimum wage, overtime pay eligibility, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards. This act was a significant part of the New Deal reforms aimed at improving labor conditions in response to the economic hardships of the Great Depression. By promoting fair labor practices, the FLSA sought to protect workers' rights and ensure a more equitable workforce.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Fair Labor Standards Act set the first federal minimum wage at 25 cents per hour, which significantly improved wages for many workers.
2. FLSA mandates that eligible workers receive overtime pay at a rate of one and a half times their regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
3. The act also established strict regulations against child labor, prohibiting the employment of children in hazardous jobs and limiting hours for younger workers.
4. FLSA applies to businesses engaged in interstate commerce, ensuring that a broad range of employees are covered under its provisions.
5. Over time, the Fair Labor Standards Act has been amended multiple times to adjust the minimum wage and extend protections to more workers, reflecting changes in the economy and labor market.

Review Questions

• How did the Fair Labor Standards Act address issues related to worker exploitation during the Great Depression?
  • The Fair Labor Standards Act was crucial in addressing worker exploitation by establishing minimum wage laws and overtime pay requirements. During the Great Depression, many workers faced extremely low wages and excessive working hours, which left them struggling to support their families. By setting a minimum wage and ensuring fair compensation for overtime work, the FLSA aimed to protect vulnerable workers from being taken advantage of, fostering a more equitable work environment.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Fair Labor Standards Act on labor rights and protections in the United States.
  • The Fair Labor Standards Act has had lasting impacts on labor rights and protections in the United States by establishing foundational standards that continue to influence modern labor laws. The establishment of minimum wage and overtime pay has helped ensure fair compensation for millions of workers. Additionally, the act's restrictions on child labor have contributed to safer working conditions for minors, promoting education over early employment. Overall, the FLSA has played a critical role in shaping labor standards that prioritize workers' rights.
• Assess how the Fair Labor Standards Act reflects broader themes of social justice and economic reform during the New Deal era.
  • The Fair Labor Standards Act exemplifies broader themes of social justice and economic reform during the New Deal era by emphasizing government responsibility in protecting workers' rights amidst economic turmoil. The FLSA aimed to rectify inequalities faced by workers by promoting fair wages and humane working conditions. By addressing exploitation through legislative means, this act not only represented a shift toward greater government intervention in the economy but also underscored an emerging recognition of social justice as a vital component of national recovery efforts.

Related terms

Minimum Wage: The lowest legal wage that can be paid to most workers, set by federal or state law.

Overtime Pay: Additional pay required for hours worked beyond the standard workweek, typically over 40 hours, as mandated by the FLSA.

Child Labor Laws:

Regulations that restrict the employment of minors in various types of work to ensure their safety and well-being.