Fair Labor: Setting Standards for America
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1937 (FLSA) set brand new standards for the country, both economically and ethically. The DOL states "(The FLSA) prescribes standards for the basic minimum wage and overtime pay." The guidelines standardize how much, or rather, how little an employer can pay is employees as well as sets age limits for hiring. This helped many people during the Great Depression. It helped many people to get a higher income, which allowed them to meet some of their basic needs and pay bills. It didn't solve the whole Depression, but it definitely helped. The FLSA also states that overtime pay is one and a half times the normal pay per hour. It also restricts minors under 18 from having certain jobs that are considered too dangerous. The FLSA doesn't allow children under 16 to work during school hours, which vary by the school system. In brief conclusion, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1937 provided a national minimum wage, an age minimum for jobs (preventing child labor) and a standard for overtime pay.
This graph shows the minimum wage set by the FLSA from 1980 to 2012. It has increased by $4.15 since 1980.