Wages and Hours
The FLSA
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes the minimum wage that an employee can be paid. It also dictates overtime payment requirements. The FLSA does not pertain to all employees though. For example, if a company does not gross $500,000 annually, they do not have to abide by the specifications unless employees are involved in interstate commerce. Specific criteria as to which employees qualify can be found on page 406 of “Federal Law Regulating the Workplace.”
Many states have specific minimum wage and overtime laws that apply to all employers in the state. Therefore, even if the employer does not meet the standards for the FLSA to apply, they will have to abide by state regulations.
FLSA does not require employers to offer benefits to employees. It only deals with wages.
Minimum Wage
Minimum wage is currently at $6.55 an hour under FLSA. If the state has a minimum wage rate which is above the FLSA, all employers are required to pay the higher rate. If the state’s minimum wage rate is lower than the rate assigned by the FLSA, then only employers which qualify will need to pay the higher rate.
Hours
Hours worked include any time an employee spent performing their job. Therefore, if the job requires traveling such as a home service technician, then that time is considered “hours worked”. In addition, preparatory work, such as sharpening of knives, changing clothing, etc. is included. Attendance at meetings, lectures, and trainings is considered hours worked as well. Lastly, rest periods which are less than 20 minutes are calculated into the time spent working.
For more information on wages and hours, contact
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