What is the primary purpose of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)?

The primary purpose of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is to set standards for minimum wage and overtime pay. The FLSA was enacted in 1938 to establish a federal minimum wage for workers and require employers to pay eligible employees at least one and a half times their regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. This legislation aims to ensure fair compensation for employees and to prevent exploitation by establishing baseline wage standards.

Although other laws address workplace discrimination, employee benefits, and workplace safety, the FLSA specifically focuses on wage-related protections and is foundational in creating a fair labor system in the United States. Its regulations impact millions of workers and help to ensure that workers are compensated fairly for their labor, thus supporting a stable economy and promoting a decent standard of living.