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 was a key piece of legislation passed during the New Deal era to protect workers' rights and improve labor conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The FLSA was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938 as part of his New Deal legislation to address the economic hardships of the Great Depression.
2. The FLSA established a federal minimum wage, which was initially set at $0.25 per hour and has been gradually increased over time.
3. The Act also mandated overtime pay for hours worked over 40 per week, requiring employers to pay 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for any additional hours.
4. The FLSA placed restrictions on child labor, prohibiting the employment of minors in hazardous occupations and limiting the number of hours they could work.
5. The FLSA has been amended numerous times since its inception, expanding its coverage and strengthening worker protections.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Fair Labor Standards Act was a key component of the First New Deal and its impact on worker rights and labor conditions.
  • The Fair Labor Standards Act was a critical piece of legislation passed during the First New Deal under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It established federal minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, as well as restrictions on child labor, in an effort to improve the working conditions and economic security of American workers who had suffered greatly during the Great Depression. By setting national labor standards, the FLSA aimed to provide a basic level of protection for workers and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable populations, such as children. The Act was a significant step forward in the New Deal's broader goal of promoting economic recovery and social welfare through government intervention in the economy.
• Analyze how the Fair Labor Standards Act was further expanded and strengthened as part of the Second New Deal, and the implications of these changes.
  • During the Second New Deal, the Fair Labor Standards Act was expanded to cover a larger portion of the workforce and strengthen worker protections. Amendments to the FLSA increased the federal minimum wage, extended overtime pay requirements to more industries, and broadened the restrictions on child labor. These changes reflected the Roosevelt administration's continued commitment to using government regulation to address the economic and social inequalities that had contributed to the Great Depression. By enhancing the FLSA, the Second New Deal sought to further empower workers, reduce poverty, and promote a more equitable distribution of the nation's economic resources. The expanded FLSA helped establish a stronger social safety net and laid the groundwork for future labor reforms aimed at securing the rights and well-being of American workers.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of the Fair Labor Standards Act in shaping the modern American labor landscape and its legacy within the broader context of the New Deal programs.
  • The Fair Labor Standards Act has had a lasting impact on the American labor market and the rights of workers. As a cornerstone of the New Deal's social and economic reforms, the FLSA has become a fundamental component of the country's labor laws and workplace protections. By establishing federal minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor standards, the Act has helped to raise the living standards of millions of workers and ensure a basic level of economic security. The FLSA's emphasis on worker welfare and its restrictions on exploitative labor practices have also influenced the development of subsequent labor legislation and the growth of the modern labor movement. Within the broader context of the New Deal, the FLSA represents the federal government's expanded role in regulating the economy and promoting social justice. Its enduring legacy underscores the lasting impact of the New Deal's efforts to address the systemic inequalities that contributed to the Great Depression and reshape the relationship between workers, employers, and the state.

Related terms

Minimum Wage: The lowest hourly, daily, or monthly compensation that employers must legally pay their workers.

Overtime Pay: Additional pay required for hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek, typically at a rate of 1.5 times the regular hourly wage.

Child Labor Laws: Regulations that restrict the employment and working conditions of minors to ensure their health, safety, and access to education.