Which federal law mandates minimum wage and overtime for non-exempt employees?

The federal law that mandates minimum wage and overtime for non-exempt employees is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This legislation was enacted to establish standards for wage and hour laws in the United States, aiming to protect workers from unfair pay practices.

Under the FLSA, non-exempt employees are entitled to earn at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked and receive overtime pay, which is typically time-and-a-half, for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek. The act is crucial for ensuring that employees receive fair compensation for their labor, thereby promoting economic equity.

Additionally, the FLSA covers regulations regarding child labor and sets rules for various industry practices, contributing to a safer work environment and improved labor standards across the country, especially in sectors such as hospitality and food service where many employees are classified as non-exempt.