What does the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) primarily regulate?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) primarily regulates minimum wage and overtime pay, which establishes the basic economic principles that guide compensation for workers. Under the FLSA, employers must pay their employees at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked, as well as overtime pay for hours worked beyond a standard 40-hour work week. This framework is essential for protecting workers from exploitation and ensuring they are fairly compensated for their labor.

The act does not primarily focus on health and safety regulations, which are governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Similarly, while collective bargaining and union activities are essential aspects of labor relations, they fall under different labor laws such as the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Employee performance evaluations do not pertain to wage or hour regulations and are generally determined by individual employer policies without direct stipulation from the FLSA. Thus, recognizing the specific focus of the FLSA on wage and overtime provisions is crucial for understanding its purpose and applicability in the workplace.