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Walsh-Healey Act: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition and Impact
Definition & Meaning
The Walsh-Healey Act, also known as the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act, is a federal law enacted in 1936. It mandates that contractors who manufacture or supply goods to the U.S. government or the District of Columbia must pay their employees at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked on contracts exceeding $10,000. Additionally, the Act establishes overtime pay for hours worked beyond eight hours in a single day or 40 hours in a week. It also sets the minimum wage based on the prevailing wage in the contractor's area and includes provisions regarding child labor, convict labor, and workplace safety and sanitation standards.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The Walsh-Healey Act is primarily relevant in the context of federal contracting and labor law. It is used to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for employees involved in government contracts. Legal practitioners often reference this Act when discussing labor rights, compliance with federal contracting requirements, and issues related to wage disputes. Users can manage certain aspects of compliance and contract management using legal templates available through US Legal Forms.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A contractor supplying furniture to a federal agency must pay their employees at least the federal minimum wage and adhere to overtime regulations as outlined in the Walsh-Healey Act.
Example 2: A manufacturing company producing equipment for the government must ensure that their labor practices comply with the safety and sanitation standards established by the Act. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
The primary statute governing this area is the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act itself. Other relevant labor laws may include the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which also addresses minimum wage and overtime issues.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Key Differences
Walsh-Healey Act
Federal law requiring fair wages for government contracts.
Focuses specifically on government contracts and wage standards.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Federal law regulating minimum wage and overtime for all workers.
Applies to all employers, not just government contracts.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are a contractor working with the federal government, ensure that you understand and comply with the Walsh-Healey Act's requirements. This includes paying the minimum wage, adhering to overtime regulations, and following safety standards. You can explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist you in managing compliance effectively. If you face complex issues, consider seeking professional legal advice.
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Minimum wage: Federal minimum wage or prevailing local wage
Overtime: Required for hours over 8 per day or 40 per week
Applicable to: Contractors supplying goods to the federal government
Key takeaways
Frequently asked questions
It is a federal law that mandates fair wages and working conditions for employees of contractors supplying goods to the U.S. government.
It applies to contractors engaged in manufacturing or supplying goods to the federal government or the District of Columbia with contracts over $10,000.
Contractors may face penalties, including contract termination and potential legal action for failing to comply with wage and labor standards.