What is the Fair Labor Standards Act?

On Behalf of | Apr 7, 2017 | Employee Rights |

Most of our readers know that there are laws in place to protect employees in America. One of the most important laws is the Fair Labor Standards Act, or “FLSA.” So, what is the Fair Labor Standards Act and what does it have to do with employee rights in Minnesota?

First, almost all employees in America are affected by the FLSA, whether they are public or private employees. The law covers regulations regarding overtime pay, as well as age restrictions for young workers. It also establishes the minimum wage in America, which is $7.25 per hour. However, certain states and municipalities may have established higher minimum wages on their own.

The FLSA also establishes which particular acts violate the law and what the fines are for such violations. For instance, an employer that violates the child labor section of the FLSA can face a maximum fine of about $12,000. Any subsequent violations would result in a much higher fine of up to almost $59,000.

Wage and hour laws are important laws for Minnesota residents to be familiar with. When employees who are paid hourly work more than 40 hours in a week, they are entitled to overtime pay. However, calculating these hours correctly is something that employers don’t always get right. For employees who believe they may be entitled to more pay than they have received, there may be legal recourse under the FLSA. There are other violations of the FLSA that may also entitle an employee to pursue a legal claim against an employer. It is important to get the right information about these legal rights.

Source: dol.gov, “Wage and Hour Division,” Accessed April 2, 2017