The FLSA and Protecting your Business

 Posted on October 18, 2012 in Employment Law

The Fair Labor Standards Act was enacted in 1938 by a Senator named Hugo Black.  He struggled for nearly 6 years to afford certain legal rights to workers in America.  After making some changes to his original guidelines about a 30 hour workweek and other rules, he gradually came to a compromise that was accepted by Congress and made into a law.  So what are the legal requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act?  It set out to, primarily, do the following:

- Establish a national standard for minimum wage.

- Protect young children from dangerous work.

- Institute a maximum 40 hour work week, with overtime pay.

The goal of the act was the “elimination of labor conditions detrimental to the maintenance of the minimum standards of living necessary for health, efficiency and well-being of workers,” according to its original language.  This served another purpose which kept people working and stopped them from striking due to poor working conditions.  In another effort to level the playing field between all kinds of people, the FLSA was amended in 1963 to require equal pay for equal work.  This required women to receive the same wages as men who held the same position.

Overall, the FLSA tries to protect various workers discriminatory or untenable situations while at work.  If you are operating a business, it is integral that you keep an eye on the conditions that your employees are working under.  If you foresee any issues, not reacting proactively may result in a lawsuit that could render your business incapacitated.  Seeking the assistance of an astute employment lawyer in Oakbrook may stop any legal action before it starts, or protect your business if charges are brought against you or your company.