When do federal labor laws apply?

Federal labor laws are laws set by the U.S. federal government that covers the basic rights and responsibilities of employers and employees. All employers and employees in the United States are subject to these laws, regardless of whether the business is located in Michigan or any other state. Generally speaking, federal labor laws apply when the employer is engaging in interstate commerce. This means that the employer must be doing business with customers or employees in other states, or must be participating in trade that crosses state borders. In Michigan, all employers are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), both of which are federal laws. The FLSA sets the minimum wage for employers nationwide, and the FMLA guarantees employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under certain circumstances. In addition to the FLSA and the FMLA, other federal labor laws apply depending on the size of the employer and the industry they work in. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) applies to employers that have two or more employees, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requires all employers to provide a safe workplace for their employees. Overall, federal labor laws make sure employers provide their employees with fair wages, safe working conditions, and other basic rights. It is important for employers to understand the applicable federal labor laws in order to make sure their business is compliant.

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