Basic requirements for the Fair Labor Standards Act

On Behalf of | Oct 29, 2014 | Wage And Hour Laws |

The Fair Labor Standards Act protects worker in Indiana from being underpaid and overworked. It also requires that young workers are given special considerations. The Fair Labor Standards Act was established in 1938 and has been modified to match changing employment needs on many occasions. All employers in the United States are legally obligated to meet FLSA requirements.

The basic requirements of the FLSA include a rule that employers must pay at least the federal minimum wage. It also necessitates the payment of overtime when someone works more than 40 hours in one work week unless that employee falls under an exemption. Overtime must be at least one and half times an employee’s usual wage. If any wages are taken out of a paycheck to cover uniforms, merchandise shortages or work tools, the amount due still cannot be lower than the minimum wage nor can the deductions decrease overtime pay. The FLSA also mandates that employees receive compensation on their regular payday.

Employers must maintain records in compliance with the FLSA. These records should show employees’ work hours and wages as well standard record-keeping items necessary for running a business. Employers who have minors under the age of 16 working for them must follow additional rules concerning youth employment. These rules prohibit hiring children for certain occupations that are considered too dangerous for youths. Young workers are also restricted to working fewer hours than older teens and adults.

Although the FLSA requires employers pay wages on time and meet other employment standards, some employers do not follow the rules. Workers whose employers owe them money, either in regular wages or overtime, might get help from an attorney to collect what is owed. An attorney could file a federal FLSA claim or make a complaint under the Indiana Wage Claims Act.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, “What does the Fair Labor Standards Act require?”, October 24, 2014

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