FLSA LITIGATION
February 28, 2023

FLSA stands for the Fair Labor Standards Act, which is a federal law in the United States that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards for employees in both the private and public sectors. FLSA litigation refers to lawsuits that involve alleged violations of these standards by employers.
FLSA litigation can take many forms, including individual lawsuits brought by employees, collective actions brought on behalf of groups of employees, and class actions brought on behalf of larger groups of employees. Some common types of FLSA violations that may lead to litigation include:
- Misclassification of employees as exempt from overtime pay
- Failure to pay minimum wage
- Failure to pay overtime for hours worked over 40 in a workweek
- Failure to pay for all hours worked, including off-the-clock work
- Improper deductions from employee pay
If an employer is found to have violated the FLSA, they may be required to pay back wages and other damages to affected employees. In some cases, they may also face penalties or fines. It is important for employers to comply with the FLSA to avoid litigation and ensure fair treatment of their employees.
FLSA AUTHORITY
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA LITIGATION) is a federal law in the United States that is enforced by the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The WHD is responsible for enforcing the FLSA’s minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and child labor provisions.
The WHD has the authority to investigate and enforce FLSA litigation violations through various means, including on-site investigations, employee interviews, and review of employment records. Employers found to have violated the FLSA litigation may be required to pay back wages and other damages to affected employees, and may also face penalties or fines.
The DOL also has the authority to initiate legal action on behalf of employees who have been denied their rights under the FLSA litigation, and may seek injunctive relief or other legal remedies to ensure compliance with the law.
In addition to federal enforcement, some states also have their own labor laws and enforcement agencies that may regulate wages and working conditions beyond the minimum standards set by the FLSA litigation. Employers should be aware of both federal and state labor laws and ensure compliance with all applicable requirements to avoid potential penalties, fines, and litigation.
FLSA ENTITLEMENTS
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA litigation) sets forth several entitlements for employees in the United States, including minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards. These entitlements are intended to ensure fair compensation and working conditions for employees.
Here are some of the key entitlements established by the FLSA litigation:
- Minimum wage: The FLSA litigation sets a federal minimum wage that employers must pay to covered employees. As of 2021, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, although some states and localities have their own higher minimum wage rates.
- Overtime pay: Covered employees are entitled to receive overtime pay of at least one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Some employees may be exempt from overtime pay requirements based on their job duties and salary level.
- Recordkeeping: Employers are required to keep certain records related to employees’ hours worked, wages paid, and other employment information. This helps ensure compliance with the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime requirements.
- Child labor standards: The FLSA sets limits on the types of work that minors under the age of 18 can perform, as well as the hours and times of day that they can work. These standards help ensure that children are not employed in jobs that are hazardous or interfere with their education.
It’s important for employers to understand and comply with these FLSA entitlements to avoid potential legal liability and ensure fair treatment of their employees.
WORKERS UNDER THE AGE OF 21
In the United States, workers under the age of 21 are subject to certain restrictions on the types of work they can perform and the hours they can work under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state child labor laws.
Here are some key restrictions that apply to workers under the age of 21:
- Types of work: Workers under 18 are generally prohibited from working in hazardous occupations, such as mining, manufacturing explosives, or operating heavy machinery. Some states may have additional restrictions on the types of work that minors can perform.
- Hours of work: The FLSA sets limits on the hours that minors under 16 can work, including restrictions on the number of hours worked per day and per week. In addition, minors under 18 are generally prohibited from working in certain jobs during school hours and late at night.
- Wages: Workers under the age of 21 are entitled to the same minimum wage and overtime protections as adult workers under the FLSA. However, some states may have lower minimum wage rates for workers under 21.
Employers who violate child labor laws can face significant penalties, including fines and legal action from the U.S. Department of Labor. It’s important for employers to understand and comply with these restrictions to avoid legal liability and ensure safe and fair working conditions for young workers. Additionally, it’s important for young workers to understand their rights and advocate for themselves if they believe their employer is not following these rules.