What is Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law enacted in the United States in 1938 that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards affecting employees in the private sector and in federal, state, and local governments. The FLSA is enforced by the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor.

The FLSA requires that covered employees receive a minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour. In addition, the law requires that covered employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek be paid overtime pay at a rate of at least one and one-half times their regular rate of pay. The FLSA also prohibits the employment of children under the age of 14 in most non-agricultural jobs, and sets limits on the hours and types of work that can be performed by children under the age of 18.

The FLSA applies to most employers and employees in the United States, although there are some exemptions for certain types of workers, such as salaried employees who meet certain criteria related to job duties and responsibilities. The law also allows for some exceptions and modifications for certain industries and occupations, such as farm workers and tipped employees.

The FLSA is an important law that helps to ensure that workers are fairly compensated for their work, and that employers are held accountable for complying with basic labor standards. Violations of the FLSA can result in penalties and fines, as well as liability for back wages and other damages owed to employees.