The Fair Labor Standards ActThe Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) was passed by Congress on June 25, 1938. The primary purpose of the act was to eliminate "conditions of work detrimental to the maintenance of the minimum standards of living necessary for the health, efficiency and welfare of workers”[1] who engaged directly or indirectly in interstate commerce, including those involved in the production of commodities . goods intended for this trade. An important provision of the law established a maximum workweek and a minimum wage. Initially, the minimum wage was $0.25 per hour, with a maximum work week of 44 hours in the first year, 42 hours in the second year, and 40 hours thereafter. A minimum wage of $0.25 per hour was established for the first year, $0.30 for the second year, and $0.40 for the following six years. Other provisions set standards for overtime pay and prohibit interstate commerce in child labor products. A Wage and Hour Division (WHD) was also created by the Ministry of Labor. The purpose of this division was to accelerate the increase in standards within an industry if a committee recommended change. The Fair Labor Standards Act was amended several times over the following decades, with changes expanding the categories of workers covered, raising the minimum wage, redefining regular time work. , increasing overtime pay to encourage the hiring of new workers and equalizing pay scales for men and women. FLSA Regulations and Non-Regulations Although the FLSA sets minimum base wages, overtime pay standards, and regulates the employment of minors, there are a number of employment practices. that FLSA does not r...... middle of paper ...... 9. Fair Labor Standards Act, www.infoplease.com, 6/11/0410. Senate passes major tax bill with overtime amendments attached by Bill Leonard, Society for Human Resources Management, www.shrm.org, 5/19/04.11. DOL Releases Proposal to Change Overtime Exemption Requirements, per Staff Report, Society for Human Resource Management, www.shrm.org, 6/11/0412. What the Fair Labor Standards Act Does Not Require?, by elaws, www.dol.gov/elaws, 6/11/0413. Practical Reference Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act, by USD Department of Labor, revised 10/96, www.dol.gov/esa/public/whd_org.htm, pages 1-10.14. Fair Working Standards Act, www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk, 06/11/04---------------------------- --- ---------------------------------------[1] Law on standards of fair work; www.inforplease.com, June 11, 2004.