Who must follow the Fair Labor Standards Act?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) applies broadly and includes all employers who have at least one employee engaged in, or producing goods for, commerce. This means that regardless of the size of the business, if there is even a single employee, the employer is obligated to comply with the provisions of the FLSA. These provisions include minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment protections.

Employers must ensure compliance whether they have a small number of employees or a larger workforce, as the act's regulations are meant to provide rights and protections to workers at all levels of employment. This inclusive criterion aims to create fair labor standards across the workforce, making it essential for even the smallest businesses to adhere to these labor laws.