Employment - FLSA: Key Insights into Worker Rights and Regulations

Definition & Meaning

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that sets standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor. It applies to both full-time and part-time workers in the private sector as well as in federal, state, and local governments. Under the FLSA, covered nonexempt employees are entitled to a minimum wage of at least $7.25 per hour, effective from July 24, 2009. Additionally, employees must receive overtime pay at a rate of one and one-half times their regular pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A retail employee works 45 hours in a week. Under the FLSA, they are entitled to receive their regular hourly wage for the first 40 hours and one and one-half times that wage for the additional 5 hours.

Example 2: A state government employee works 50 hours in a week. They must be compensated for overtime according to the FLSA, unless an exception applies. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

State Minimum Wage Overtime Regulations
California $15.50 Daily overtime after 8 hours
Texas $7.25 Weekly overtime after 40 hours
New York $15.00 Weekly overtime after 40 hours

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Minimum Wage The lowest wage that employers can legally pay workers. Minimum wage is a component of the FLSA, which also includes overtime and child labor standards.
Overtime Pay Additional pay for hours worked beyond the standard workweek. Overtime pay is mandated by the FLSA for nonexempt workers after 40 hours of work.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe your rights under the FLSA have been violated, consider the following steps:

  • Document your hours worked and pay received.
  • Check your eligibility for minimum wage and overtime protections.
  • Consult with a legal professional if you have questions or need assistance.
  • Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you address your concerns.

Quick facts

  • Minimum wage: $7.25 per hour (federal)
  • Overtime rate: 1.5 times regular pay after 40 hours
  • Recordkeeping: Required for employers
  • Child labor: Regulated under the FLSA

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

The minimum wage is set at $7.25 per hour at the federal level.