Definition

Fair Labor Standards Act—the 1938 federal law establishing minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor standards. It's the reason you get paid extra for working more than 40 hours, assuming your employer classifies you correctly.

Example Usage

HR reclassified the position as FLSA exempt, which is a polite way of saying 'we can now work you 60 hours a week without overtime pay.'

Origin

Enacted in 1938 as part of FDR's New Deal legislation

Fun Fact

The FLSA salary threshold for exempt employees has been the subject of intense political debate and multiple lawsuits, proving that even 85-year-old laws can still cause headaches.

Source: Employment law and compliance terminology

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