Fair Labor Standards Act

Definition

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards affecting full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in federal, state, and local governments. It is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to protect the rights and well-being of workers in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The FLSA was enacted in 1938 during the Great Depression to establish basic labor protections and ensure a minimum standard of living for workers.
2. The FLSA applies to employees of enterprises engaged in interstate commerce or in the production of goods for interstate commerce, as well as certain government employees.
3. The FLSA requires employers to pay non-exempt employees at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked and overtime pay at a rate of one and a half times the regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
4. The FLSA includes provisions to restrict the employment of minors in hazardous occupations and limit the number of hours they can work.
5. Employers must maintain accurate records of hours worked and wages paid for all non-exempt employees covered by the FLSA.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) relates to human resource management and compliance.
  • The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a critical piece of legislation that directly impacts human resource management and compliance. As an HR professional, it is essential to understand and ensure adherence to the FLSA's requirements, which include establishing minimum wage, mandating overtime pay, regulating child labor, and maintaining accurate employee records. Compliance with the FLSA helps organizations avoid legal issues, protect worker rights, and foster a fair and ethical work environment. Effectively managing FLSA compliance is a key responsibility for HR managers to uphold labor laws and maintain positive employee-employer relations.
• Describe the key provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and how they are enforced to ensure compliance.
  • The key provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) include minimum wage requirements, overtime pay regulations, and child labor laws. The U.S. Department of Labor is responsible for enforcing the FLSA and ensuring compliance. Employers are required to maintain accurate records of hours worked and wages paid, and the Department of Labor can conduct investigations, issue citations, and impose penalties for violations. Employees also have the right to file complaints if they believe their FLSA rights have been violated. Effective enforcement of the FLSA is crucial to protecting worker rights and promoting a fair and equitable labor market.
• Analyze how the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has evolved over time to address changing workforce dynamics and labor issues.
  • The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has undergone various amendments and updates since its initial enactment in 1938 to adapt to evolving workforce dynamics and labor issues. For example, the minimum wage has been raised multiple times to keep pace with inflation and the cost of living. Additionally, the FLSA has been expanded to cover more workers, including domestic employees and certain government workers. The child labor provisions have also been strengthened to further restrict the employment of minors in hazardous occupations. These changes demonstrate the FLSA's flexibility in addressing emerging labor concerns and ensuring that worker protections remain relevant and effective in the modern economy. Analyzing the FLSA's evolution can provide insights into how legislation can be adapted to address shifting workforce needs and promote fair labor practices.

Related terms

Minimum Wage:

The lowest hourly rate an employer can legally pay an employee, as established by the FLSA.

Overtime Pay: Additional compensation required by the FLSA for employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek.

Child Labor Laws: Regulations within the FLSA that restrict the employment of minors and set standards for their working conditions.