In an ideal world, employees and their bosses always have perfect work relationships. However, that is not always the case. The government has labor laws to protect workers’ rights and enforce employment standards.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is one of the laws protecting vital aspects of employment. In general, this act covers interstate commerce, including:
- Directly involved companies
- Organizations making products for interstate businesses
- Firms or individuals who provide services to manage said products or materials
Likewise, this law covers people or organizations working together in businesses:
- Earning an annual sales gross of over $500,000, excluding excise taxes
- Running healthcare and educational facilities (e.g., hospitals, retirement homes, schools for children with special needs, preschools and higher education institutions)
- Operated by government entities
This policy also includes employees in the domestic service sector who meet the following conditions:
- Earnings from one employer in 2010 exceeded $1,700
- Works at least eight hours per week for one or multiple employers
FLSA provisions
The FLSA sets standards in terms of rightful pay privileges to qualified workers, including:
- Minimum wage
- Qualifications for overtime pay
- Pay for hours worked
- Employer responsibility to record laborers’ time and pay
- Regulations against child labor
You have the right to file a complaint if your employer exhibited practices against these provisions.
Scared to file a complaint?
Naturally, you can feel fear and anxiety when filing a claim against an employer. However, the FLSA is on your side. It has provisions that protect employees from retaliation, such as discrimination or dismissal. Do not be afraid to point out any violations because, in the end, it will benefit you and the company’s management.
