When do federal labor laws apply?

Federal labor laws apply when an employer has at least two employees, and it has a certain annual dollar volume of business. The federal labor laws also apply to those employers who engage in interstate commerce, which involves activities and transactions that cross state boundaries. These laws, which are enforced by the United States Department of Labor, include the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act. The Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to pay their employees minimum wages, overtime wages, and to comply with youth employment standards. It also prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discrimination against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. It also prohibits harassment on the basis of any of these characteristics. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requires employers to provide a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. Employers must also comply with OSHA regulations, which are designed to ensure that workplaces are free from hazards. Finally, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires that employers provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a family member, or to receive medical treatment or diagnosis. In summary, the federal labor laws apply to employers who have at least two employees and are involved in interstate commerce. These laws address important topics such as minimum wages, overtime wages, discrimination, harassment, health and safety, and family and medical leave.

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