Legal Definitions - Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a foundational federal law in the United States that establishes core protections for workers concerning wages, working hours, and child labor. Enacted in 1938, the FLSA sets nationwide standards to ensure fair compensation and safe working conditions for most employees.

Key provisions of the FLSA include:

• Minimum Wage: It mandates a federal minimum wage that most employees must be paid, ensuring a baseline income.
• Overtime Pay: It requires employers to pay eligible employees "time-and-a-half" (1.5 times their regular rate of pay) for all hours worked over 40 in a single workweek. Certain employees, such as those in executive, administrative, or professional roles, may be exempt from this requirement.
• Child Labor Standards: It restricts the employment of children, setting minimum ages for various types of work and prohibiting minors from working in occupations deemed hazardous.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of the FLSA:

• Example 1 (Minimum Wage): A small, independent bookstore hires a new part-time sales associate. Even if the bookstore is struggling financially, the FLSA mandates that the owner must pay the sales associate at least the federal minimum wage for every hour worked. This ensures that the employee receives a legally required minimum level of compensation, regardless of the employer's specific circumstances or the employee's experience level.

• Example 2 (Overtime Pay): A graphic designer, who is paid hourly and is not in an exempt position, works for a marketing agency. During a particularly busy week leading up to a major client presentation, the designer works 50 hours. Under the FLSA, the marketing agency must pay the designer their regular hourly rate for the first 40 hours and then 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for the additional 10 hours worked beyond the standard workweek. This provision ensures the designer is compensated at a higher rate for their extended efforts.

• Example 3 (Child Labor): A 16-year-old high school student wants to get a summer job. They apply to work as a cashier at a local grocery store and also inquire about a position operating heavy machinery at a nearby manufacturing plant. The FLSA's child labor provisions would permit the student to work as a cashier, likely with restrictions on hours during school weeks. However, the law would generally prohibit the 16-year-old from operating heavy machinery at the manufacturing plant, as such work is typically classified as hazardous for minors under the age of 18. This protects young workers from dangerous environments and ensures their safety and well-being.