What does the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 primarily establish?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 primarily establishes minimum wage and maximum hours for workers. This foundational piece of legislation was designed to protect workers from unfair wage practices and excessive work hours. By setting a federal minimum wage, the FLSA ensures that employees receive a basic standard of pay for their labor, which helps uphold their purchasing power and maintain a minimum quality of life. Additionally, the FLSA regulates working hours by mandating that hourly employees receive overtime pay for any work performed in excess of 40 hours in a workweek, thus promoting a balance between work and personal life.

Other options relate to different aspects of workplace governance. Employee rights regarding healthcare benefits are typically addressed by other laws and regulations, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or COBRA. Workplace safety standards are primarily governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which aims to ensure safe and healthy working conditions. Guidelines for employee dismissal are often dictated by labor laws regarding wrongful termination, but these are separate from the scope of the FLSA.