What Employers Need to Know about FLSA
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that sets minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards for employers in the United States. It is important for employers to understand the FLSA and how it applies to their business. In this article, we will discuss the key facts about FLSA and how to ensure your business is in compliance.
What is FLSA?
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards for employers in the United States. It was first enacted in 1938 and has been amended several times since then. The FLSA is enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
Who is Covered by FLSA?
The FLSA applies to most employers in the United States. It covers employers who are engaged in interstate commerce or who produce goods for interstate commerce. This includes employers who have employees who work in more than one state, employers who ship goods across state lines, and employers who use the internet to conduct business.
The FLSA also applies to employers who have annual sales of at least $500,000 or who are involved in the production of goods for interstate commerce. Additionally, the FLSA covers employers who are engaged in activities related to interstate commerce, such as banking, insurance, transportation, communications, and other activities.
What Does FLSA Require?
The FLSA requires employers to pay their employees at least the federal minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour. Employers must also pay their employees overtime pay for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek. The overtime rate is 1.5 times the employee’s regular rate of pay.
The FLSA also requires employers to keep accurate records of their employees’ hours worked and wages paid. Employers must also comply with the FLSA’s child labor laws, which prohibit employers from hiring minors under the age of 18 for certain hazardous jobs.
How to Ensure Compliance with FLSA
Employers must ensure that they are in compliance with the FLSA. The first step is to understand the law and its requirements. Employers should also review their policies and procedures to make sure they are in compliance with the FLSA.
Employers should also train their managers and supervisors on the FLSA and its requirements. This will help ensure that all employees are treated fairly and that the employer is in compliance with the law.
Finally, employers should conduct regular audits of their payroll records to ensure that they are in compliance with the FLSA. This will help employers identify any potential issues and take corrective action.
Conclusion
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that sets minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards for employers in the United States. It is important for employers to understand the FLSA and how it applies to their business. Employers must ensure that they are in compliance with the FLSA by understanding the law, reviewing their policies and procedures, training their managers and supervisors, and conducting regular audits of their payroll records. By following these steps, employers can ensure that they are in compliance with the FLSA and that their employees are treated fairly.
