The Minimum Wage Act of 1938

The Minimum Wage Act of 1938 regulated working conditions for the labor force.

The Minimum Wage Act of 1938, also known as the Fair Labor Standards Act, provided a structured 40-hour workweek as well as a minimum hourly rate of pay for employees. It also banned oppressive child labor.

Significance

The law was significant to factory workers and other laborers who, before the law, struggled to make only pennies each day. It forced employers to comply with regulated working conditions and ended child labor by issuing a minimum work age of 16.

Function

The Minimum Wage Act of 1938 works to ensure all workers a specific amount of pay to support their household. It also works to regulate a safe working environment.

Benefits

The minimum wage amount is beneficial to unskilled workers. Often, they have to take potentially hazardous jobs, unwanted by those who are skilled and educated.

References

• U.S. Department of Labor: Minimum Wage Act