Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Definition

Federal legislation that protects workers from unfair labor practices such as unequal pay, excessive work hours, lack of overtime compensation, and unsafe working conditions in the United States. This act is occasionally amended to provide additional protection for workers as more unfair practices are revealed. This act includes a very important section that protects children from unfair conditions that were abundant during the 1800s and early 1900s. FLSA established the legal working age for children and outlined procedures that must be followed if a child under 16 is employed.