What is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)?
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that was passed in 1938. It sets standards for wages, overtime pay, record keeping, and child labor. The FLSA covers both full-time and part-time employees in both the public and private sectors. Under the FLSA, employers are required to pay their employees a minimum wage, which is currently $12 an hour in Massachusetts. Employers are also required to provide overtime pay for time worked in excess of 40 hours in a given week, at a rate of 1.5 times the regular wage. Additionally, employers must keep accurate records of hours worked and wages paid to employees. Finally, the FLSA sets strict rules for the employment of minors, limiting their working hours and prohibiting certain types of work. The FLSA is enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor, and employers in Massachusetts who fail to comply with the law may face fines, back pay, or other penalties. This is why it is important to understand the Fair Labor Standards Act and its requirements. Employers should make sure they are in compliance with all the relevant laws and regulations, to ensure that their employees are treated fairly and paid appropriately.
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