What does the "Fair Labor Standards Act" (FLSA) establish?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is primarily responsible for establishing minimum wage and overtime pay standards for employees in the United States. It ensures that workers receive fair compensation for their labor by setting a baseline wage rate that employers must adhere to. Additionally, the FLSA mandates that certain employees must be paid at least one and a half times their regular hourly rate for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek, thereby promoting fair labor practices and protecting workers from exploitation.

The importance of the FLSA lies in its role in combating poverty through wage regulation and ensuring that employees are compensated adequately for their time. The Act has been pivotal in addressing issues related to labor exploitation, especially in industries known for low wages or high risks for employee mistreatment. This foundational legislation has had a lasting impact on labor rights, benefiting millions of workers across various sectors.