Fair Labour Standards Act | Conscious Concierge

The Fair Labour Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that sets standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labour protections in the United States. Signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 25, 1938, the FLSA has undergone several amendments, including the 1966 amendment that prohibited employment of children in certain occupations and the 2007 amendment that increased the federal minimum wage to $7.25 per hour. The FLSA applies to most public and private sector employees, with some exceptions, such as certain agricultural workers and independent contractors. According to the US Department of Labour, in 2020, the FLSA covered over 135 million workers, with a compliance rate of 85%. The FLSA has been the subject of controversy, with some arguing that it does not go far enough to protect workers' rights, while others argue that it imposes undue burdens on businesses. As of 2022, there are ongoing debates about raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, with proponents arguing that it would help to reduce income inequality and opponents arguing that it would lead to job losses.