LP 8.3 – Federal Employment Acts

Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 establishes standards for the basic minimum wage and overtime pay, affects most private and public employment. It requires employers to pay covered employees who are not otherwise exempt at least the federal minimum wage and overtime pay of one-and-one-half-times the regular rate of pay. For nonagricultural operations, it restricts the hours that children under age 16 can work and forbids the employment of children under age 18 in certain jobs deemed too dangerous. For agricultural operations, it prohibits the employment of children under age 16 during school hours and in certain jobs deemed too dangerous.
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
The Occupational and Safety Health Act of 1970 was passed to ensure worker and workplace safety. The goal was to make sure employers provide their workers a place of employment free from recognized hazards to safety and health, such as exposure to toxic chemicals, excessive noise levels, mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress, or unsanitary conditions. The Act covers all employers engaged in commerce and their employees throughout the U.S. and has a separate program for federal government employees. Employees at the state and local government levels are covered by states with OSHA approved plans.
Family Medical and Leave Act
Covered employers must grant eligible employees up to a total of 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12 month period for one or more of the following reasons: for the birth and the care of the newborn child of the employee; for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care; to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child or parent) with a serious health condition; or, to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious