The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets federal standards for minimum wage, overtime, and other wage protections.
Minimum wage: Federal minimum is $7.25/hour, but many states and cities have higher minimums.
Overtime: Non-exempt employees must receive 1.5x their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Common wage violations:
• Misclassifying employees as "exempt" to avoid paying overtime
• Misclassifying employees as "independent contractors"
• Not paying for all hours worked (off-the-clock work)
• Illegal deductions from pay
• Not paying for required training or meetings
• Tip theft or illegal tip pooling
Equal Pay Act: Men and women must receive equal pay for substantially equal work at the same establishment.
Filing deadline: 2 years (3 if willful). You can file with the DOL or bring a private lawsuit.
Key tip: Save all pay stubs, time records, and offer letters. These are critical evidence for wage claims.
Sources: Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 201–219; Equal Pay Act, 29 U.S.C. § 206(d); Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-2); DOL Wage and Hour Division at dol.gov/agencies/whd. Federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr has been in effect since July 24, 2009.