How to cite fair labor standards act

CHAPTER 8 -FAIR LABOR STANDARDS!@!Sec. 201 -->

§201. Short title

This chapter may be cited as the "Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 2022 Amendment

div. KK, §101, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 6093 , provided that: "This division [enacting section 218d of this title , amending sections 207, 215, and 216 of this title and section 20168 of Title 49 , Transportation, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 207, 215, and 218d of this title and section 20168 of Title 49 ] may be cited as the 'Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act' or the 'PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act'."

Short Title of 2007 Amendment

title VIII, §8101, May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 188 , provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle A (§§8101–8104) of title VIII of

amending section 206 of this title , repealing sections 205 and 208 of this title , and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 206 of this title ] may be cited as the 'Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007'."

Short Title of 2000 Amendment

§1, May 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 308 , provided that: "This Act [amending section 207 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 207 of this title ] may be cited as the 'Worker Economic Opportunity Act'."

Short Title of 1998 Amendments

§1, Oct. 31, 1998, 112 Stat. 3137 , provided that: "This Act [amending section 213 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 213 of this title ] may be cited as the 'Drive for Teen Employment Act'."

§1, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1248 , provided that: "This Act [amending section 203 of this title ] may be cited as the 'Amy Somers Volunteers at Food Banks Act'."

Short Title of 1996 Amendment

[title II], §2104(a), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1928 , provided that: "This section [amending section 206 of this title ] may be cited as the 'Minimum Wage Increase Act of 1996'."

Short Title of 1995 Amendment

§1, Sept. 6, 1995, 109 Stat. 264 , provided that: "This Act [amending section 207 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 207 of this title ] may be cited as the 'Court Reporter Fair Labor Amendments of 1995'."

Short Title of 1989 Amendment

§1(a), Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 938 , provided that: "This Act [enacting section 60k of Title 2 , The Congress, amending sections 203, 205 to 208, 213, 214, and 216 of this title , and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 203 and 206 of this title ] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1989'."

Short Title of 1985 Amendment

§1(a), Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 787 , provided that: "This Act [amending sections 203, 207, and 211 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 203, 207, 215, and 216 of this title ] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1985'."

Short Title of 1977 Amendment

§1(a), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1245 , provided that: "This Act [amending sections 203, 206, 208, 213, 214, and 216 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 203, 204, and 213 of this title ] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1977'."

Short Title of 1974 Amendment

§1(a), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 55 , provided that: "This Act [enacting section 633a of this title , amending sections 202 to 208, 210, 212 to 214, 216, 255, 260, 630, and 634 of this title , and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 202, 206, 207, 213, and 621 of this title ] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974'."

Short Title of 1966 Amendment

§1, Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 830 , provided: "That this Act [amending sections 203, 206, 207, 213, 214, 216, 218, and 255 of this title , and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 207 and 214 of this title , section 1082 of former Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees, and section 2000e–14 of Title 42 , The Public Health and Welfare] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966'."

Short Title of 1963 Amendment

§1, June 10, 1963, 77 Stat. 56 , provided: "That this Act [amending section 206 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 206 of this title ] may be cited as the 'Equal Pay Act of 1963'."

Short Title of 1961 Amendment

§1, May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 65 , provided: "That this Act [amending sections 203 to 208, 212 to 214, 216, and 217 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 213 of this title ] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1961'."

Short Title of 1956 Amendment

Act Aug. 8, 1956, ch. 1035, §1, 70 Stat. 1118 , provided: "That this Act [amending sections 206, 213, and 216 of this title ] may be cited as the 'American Samoa Labor Standards Amendments of 1956'."

Short Title of 1955 Amendment

Act Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 867, §1, 69 Stat. 711 , provided: "That this Act [amending sections 204–206, 208, and 210 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 204, 206, and 208 of this title ] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1955'."

Short Title of 1949 Amendment

Act Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §1, 63 Stat. 910 , provided: "That this Act [enacting section 216b of this title , amending sections 202 to 208, 211 to 216, and 217 of this title , and repealing section 216a of this title ] may be cited as the 'Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1949'."

CHAPTER 8 -FAIR LABOR STANDARDS!@!Sec. 202 -->

§202. Congressional finding and declaration of policy

(a) The Congress finds that the existence, in industries engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, of labor conditions detrimental to the maintenance of the minimum standard of living necessary for health, efficiency, and general well-being of workers (1) causes commerce and the channels and instrumentalities of commerce to be used to spread and perpetuate such labor conditions among the workers of the several States; (2) burdens commerce and the free flow of goods in commerce; (3) constitutes an unfair method of competition in commerce; (4) leads to labor disputes burdening and obstructing commerce and the free flow of goods in commerce; and (5) interferes with the orderly and fair marketing of goods in commerce. That Congress further finds that the employment of persons in domestic service in households affects commerce.

(b) It is declared to be the policy of this chapter, through the exercise by Congress of its power to regulate commerce among the several States and with foreign nations, to correct and as rapidly as practicable to eliminate the conditions above referred to in such industries without substantially curtailing employment or earning power.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1974—Subsec. (a).

inserted finding of Congress that employment of persons in domestic service in households affects commerce.

1949—Subsec. (b). Act Oct. 26, 1949, inserted reference to regulation of commerce with foreign nations.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

§29(a), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 76 , provided that: "Except as otherwise specifically provided, the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1974 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title ] shall take effect on May 1, 1974."

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Act Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §16(a), 63 Stat. 919 , provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [enacting section 216b of this title , amending this section and sections 203 to 208, 211 to 216, and 217 of this title , and repealing section 216a of this title ] shall take effect upon the expiration of ninety days from the date of its enactment [Oct. 26, 1947]; except that the amendment made by section 4 [amending section 204 of this title ] shall take effect on the date of its enactment [Oct. 26, 1949]."

Rules, Regulations, and Orders With Regard to Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974

§29(b), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 76 , provided that: "Notwithstanding subsection (a) [set out as an Effective Date of 1974 Amendment note above], on and after the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 8, 1974] the Secretary of Labor is authorized to prescribe necessary rules, regulations, and orders with regard to the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1974 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title ]."

CHAPTER 8 -FAIR LABOR STANDARDS!@!Sec. 203 -->

§203. Definitions

As used in this chapter—

(a) "Person" means an individual, partnership, association, corporation, business trust, legal representative, or any organized group of persons.

(b) "Commerce" means trade, commerce, transportation, transmission, or communication among the several States or between any State and any place outside thereof.

(c) "State" means any State of the United States or the District of Columbia or any Territory or possession of the United States.

(d) "Employer" includes any person acting directly or indirectly in the interest of an employer in relation to an employee and includes a public agency, but does not include any labor organization (other than when acting as an employer) or anyone acting in the capacity of officer or agent of such labor organization.

(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), the term "employee" means any individual employed by an employer.

(2) In the case of an individual employed by a public agency, such term means—

(A) any individual employed by the Government of the United States—

(i) as a civilian in the military departments (as defined in section 102 of title 5 ),

(ii) in any executive agency (as defined in section 105 of such title),

(iii) in any unit of the judicial branch of the Government which has positions in the competitive service,

(iv) in a nonappropriated fund instrumentality under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces,

(v) in the Library of Congress, or

(vi) the 1 Government Publishing Office;

(B) any individual employed by the United States Postal Service or the Postal Regulatory Commission; and

(C) any individual employed by a State, political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency, other than such an individual—

(i) who is not subject to the civil service laws of the State, political subdivision, or agency which employs him; and

(I) holds a public elective office of that State, political subdivision, or agency,

(II) is selected by the holder of such an office to be a member of his personal staff,

(III) is appointed by such an officeholder to serve on a policymaking level,

(IV) is an immediate adviser to such an officeholder with respect to the constitutional or legal powers of his office, or

(V) is an employee in the legislative branch or legislative body of that State, political subdivision, or agency and is not employed by the legislative library of such State, political subdivision, or agency.

(3) For purposes of subsection (u), such term does not include any individual employed by an employer engaged in agriculture if such individual is the parent, spouse, child, or other member of the employer's immediate family.

(4)(A) The term "employee" does not include any individual who volunteers to perform services for a public agency which is a State, a political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency, if—

(i) the individual receives no compensation or is paid expenses, reasonable benefits, or a nominal fee to perform the services for which the individual volunteered; and

(ii) such services are not the same type of services which the individual is employed to perform for such public agency.

(B) An employee of a public agency which is a State, political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency may volunteer to perform services for any other State, political subdivision, or interstate governmental agency, including a State, political subdivision or agency with which the employing State, political subdivision, or agency has a mutual aid agreement.

(5) The term "employee" does not include individuals who volunteer their services solely for humanitarian purposes to private non-profit food banks and who receive from the food banks groceries.

(f) "Agriculture" includes farming in all its branches and among other things includes the cultivation and tillage of the soil, dairying, the production, cultivation, growing, and harvesting of any agricultural or horticultural commodities (including commodities defined as agricultural commodities in section 1141j(g) 2 of title 12), the raising of livestock, bees, fur-bearing animals, or poultry, and any practices (including any forestry or lumbering operations) performed by a farmer or on a farm as an incident to or in conjunction with such farming operations, including preparation for market, delivery to storage or to market or to carriers for transportation to market.

(g) "Employ" includes to suffer or permit to work.

(h) "Industry" means a trade, business, industry, or other activity, or branch or group thereof, in which individuals are gainfully employed.

(i) "Goods" means goods (including ships and marine equipment), wares, products, commodities, merchandise, or articles or subjects of commerce of any character, or any part or ingredient thereof, but does not include goods after their delivery into the actual physical possession of the ultimate consumer thereof other than a producer, manufacturer, or processor thereof.

(j) "Produced" means produced, manufactured, mined, handled, or in any other manner worked on in any State; and for the purposes of this chapter an employee shall be deemed to have been engaged in the production of goods if such employee was employed in producing, manufacturing, mining, handling, transporting, or in any other manner working on such goods, or in any closely related process or occupation directly essential to the production thereof, in any State.

(k) "Sale" or "sell" includes any sale, exchange, contract to sell, consignment for sale, shipment for sale, or other disposition.

(l) "Oppressive child labor" means a condition of employment under which (1) any employee under the age of sixteen years is employed by an employer (other than a parent or a person standing in place of a parent employing his own child or a child in his custody under the age of sixteen years in an occupation other than manufacturing or mining or an occupation found by the Secretary of Labor to be particularly hazardous for the employment of children between the ages of sixteen and eighteen years or detrimental to their health or well-being) in any occupation, or (2) any employee between the ages of sixteen and eighteen years is employed by an employer in any occupation which the Secretary of Labor shall find and by order declare to be particularly hazardous for the employment of children between such ages or detrimental to their health or well-being; but oppressive child labor shall not be deemed to exist by virtue of the employment in any occupation of any person with respect to whom the employer shall have on file an unexpired certificate issued and held pursuant to regulations of the Secretary of Labor certifying that such person is above the oppressive child-labor age. The Secretary of Labor shall provide by regulation or by order that the employment of employees between the ages of fourteen and sixteen years in occupations other than manufacturing and mining shall not be deemed to constitute oppressive child labor if and to the extent that the Secretary of Labor determines that such employment is confined to periods which will not interfere with their schooling and to conditions which will not interfere with their health and well-being.

(m)(1) "Wage" paid to any employee includes the reasonable cost, as determined by the Administrator, to the employer of furnishing such employee with board, lodging, or other facilities, if such board, lodging or other facilities are customarily furnished by such employer to his employees: Provided, That the cost of board, lodging, or other facilities shall not be included as a part of the wage paid to any employee to the extent it is excluded therefrom under the terms of a bona fide collective-bargaining agreement applicable to the particular employee: Provided further, That the Secretary is authorized to determine the fair value of such board, lodging, or other facilities for defined classes of employees and in defined areas, based on average cost to the employer or to groups of employers similarly situated, or average value to groups of employees, or other appropriate measures of fair value. Such evaluations, where applicable and pertinent, shall be used in lieu of actual measure of cost in determining the wage paid to any employee.

(2)(A) In determining the wage an employer is required to pay a tipped employee, the amount paid such employee by the employee's employer shall be an amount equal to—

(i) the cash wage paid such employee which for purposes of such determination shall be not less than the cash wage required to be paid such an employee on August 20, 1996; and

(ii) an additional amount on account of the tips received by such employee which amount is equal to the difference between the wage specified in clause (i) and the wage in effect under section 206(a)(1) of this title .

The additional amount on account of tips may not exceed the value of the tips actually received by an employee. The preceding 2 sentences shall not apply with respect to any tipped employee unless such employee has been informed by the employer of the provisions of this subsection, and all tips received by such employee have been retained by the employee, except that this subsection shall not be construed to prohibit the pooling of tips among employees who customarily and regularly receive tips.

(B) An employer may not keep tips received by its employees for any purposes, including allowing managers or supervisors to keep any portion of employees' tips, regardless of whether or not the employer takes a tip credit.

(n) "Resale" shall not include the sale of goods to be used in residential or farm building construction, repair, or maintenance: Provided, That the sale is recognized as a bona fide retail sale in the industry.

(o) Hours Worked.—In determining for the purposes of sections 206 and 207 of this title the hours for which an employee is employed, there shall be excluded any time spent in changing clothes or washing at the beginning or end of each workday which was excluded from measured working time during the week involved by the express terms of or by custom or practice under a bona fide collective-bargaining agreement applicable to the particular employee.

(p) "American vessel" includes any vessel which is documented or numbered under the laws of the United States.

(q) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Labor.

(r)(1) "Enterprise" means the related activities performed (either through unified operation or common control) by any person or persons for a common business purpose, and includes all such activities whether performed in one or more establishments or by one or more corporate or other organizational units including departments of an establishment operated through leasing arrangements, but shall not include the related activities performed for such enterprise by an independent contractor. Within the meaning of this subsection, a retail or service establishment which is under independent ownership shall not be deemed to be so operated or controlled as to be other than a separate and distinct enterprise by reason of any arrangement, which includes, but is not necessarily limited to, an agreement, (A) that it will sell, or sell only, certain goods specified by a particular manufacturer, distributor, or advertiser, or (B) that it will join with other such establishments in the same industry for the purpose of collective purchasing, or (C) that it will have the exclusive right to sell the goods or use the brand name of a manufacturer, distributor, or advertiser within a specified area, or by reason of the fact that it occupies premises leased to it by a person who also leases premises to other retail or service establishments.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the activities performed by any person or persons—

(A) in connection with the operation of a hospital, an institution primarily engaged in the care of the sick, the aged, the mentally ill or defective who reside on the premises of such institution, a school for mentally or physically handicapped or gifted children, a preschool, elementary or secondary school, or an institution of higher education (regardless of whether or not such hospital, institution, or school is operated for profit or not for profit), or

(B) in connection with the operation of a street, suburban or interurban electric railway, or local trolley or motorbus carrier, if the rates and services of such railway or carrier are subject to regulation by a State or local agency (regardless of whether or not such railway or carrier is public or private or operated for profit or not for profit), or

(C) in connection with the activities of a public agency,

shall be deemed to be activities performed for a business purpose.

(s)(1) "Enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce" means an enterprise that—

(A)(i) has employees engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, or that has employees handling, selling, or otherwise working on goods or materials that have been moved in or produced for commerce by any person; and

(ii) is an enterprise whose annual gross volume of sales made or business done is not less than $500,000 (exclusive of excise taxes at the retail level that are separately stated);

(B) is engaged in the operation of a hospital, an institution primarily engaged in the care of the sick, the aged, or the mentally ill or defective who reside on the premises of such institution, a school for mentally or physically handicapped or gifted children, a preschool, elementary or secondary school, or an institution of higher education (regardless of whether or not such hospital, institution, or school is public or private or operated for profit or not for profit); or

(C) is an activity of a public agency.

(2) Any establishment that has as its only regular employees the owner thereof or the parent, spouse, child, or other member of the immediate family of such owner shall not be considered to be an enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce or a part of such an enterprise. The sales of such an establishment shall not be included for the purpose of determining the annual gross volume of sales of any enterprise for the purpose of this subsection.

(t) "Tipped employee" means any employee engaged in an occupation in which he customarily and regularly receives more than $30 a month in tips.

(u) "Man-day" means any day during which an employee performs any agricultural labor for not less than one hour.

(v) "Elementary school" means a day or residential school which provides elementary education, as determined under State law.

(w) "Secondary school" means a day or residential school which provides secondary education, as determined under State law.

(x) "Public agency" means the Government of the United States; the government of a State or political subdivision thereof; any agency of the United States (including the United States Postal Service and Postal Regulatory Commission), a State, or a political subdivision of a State; or any interstate governmental agency.

(y) "Employee in fire protection activities" means an employee, including a firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, rescue worker, ambulance personnel, or hazardous materials worker, who—

(1) is trained in fire suppression, has the legal authority and responsibility to engage in fire suppression, and is employed by a fire department of a municipality, county, fire district, or State; and

(2) is engaged in the prevention, control, and extinguishment of fires or response to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 1141j(g) of title 12 , referred to in subsec. (f), was redesignated section 1141j(f) by

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (m).

designated first and second sentences of existing provisions as par. (1) and remainder of existing provisions as par. (2)(A), redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as cls. (i) and (ii), respectively, of par. (2)(A) and, in cl. (ii), substituted "clause (i)" for "paragraph (1)", and added subpar. (B) of par. (2).

2006—Subsecs. (e)(2)(B), (x).

substituted "Postal Regulatory Commission" for "Postal Rate Commission".

1999—Subsec. (y).

1998—Subsec. (e)(5).

1996—Subsec. (m).

inserted "In determining the wage an employer is required to pay a tipped employee, the amount paid such employee by the employee's employer shall be an amount equal to—

"(1) the cash wage paid such employee which for purposes of such determination shall be not less than the cash wage required to be paid such an employee on August 20, 1996; and

"(2) an additional amount on account of the tips received by such employee which amount is equal to the difference between the wage specified in paragraph (1) and the wage in effect under section 206(a)(1) of this title .

The additional amount on account of tips may not exceed the value of the tips actually received by an employee.", and struck out former penultimate sentence which read as follows: "In determining the wage of a tipped employee, the amount paid such employee by his employer shall be deemed to be increased on account of tips by an amount determined by the employer, but not by an amount in excess of (1) 45 percent of the applicable minimum wage rate during the year beginning April 1, 1990, and (2) 50 percent of the applicable minimum wage rate after March 31, 1991, except that the amount of the increase on account of tips determined by the employer may not exceed the value of tips actually received by the employee."

in last sentence substituted "preceding 2 sentences" for "previous sentence" and struck out "(1)" after "employee unless" and "(2)" after "subsection, and".

1995—Subsec. (e)(2)(A).

struck out "legislative or" before "judicial branch" in cl. (iii) and added cl. (vi).

1989—Subsec. (m).

§5, substituted "in excess of (1) 45 percent of the applicable minimum wage rate during the year beginning April 1, 1990, and (2) 50 percent of the applicable minimum wage rate after March 31, 1991," for "in excess of 40 per centum of the applicable minimum wage rate,".

§3(d), designated first sentence as par. (1), made a separate sentence out of the existing proviso and redesignated cls. (1), (2), and (3) as (A), (B), and (C), respectively, designated second sentence as par. (2), in par. (2) as so designated, redesignated existing pars. (1), (2), and (3) as subpars. (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and, in subpar. (A) as so redesignated, substituted "school is operated" for "school is public or private or operated".

§3(a), amended subsec. (s) generally, completely revising definition of "enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce".

1985—Subsec. (e)(1).

§4(a)(1), substituted "paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)" for "paragraphs (2) and (3)".

§5, struck out "or" at end of subcl. (III), struck out "who" in subcl. (IV) before "is an", substituted ", or" for period at end of subcl. (IV), and added subcl. (V).

§4(a)(2), added par. (4).

1977—Subsec. (m).

§3(b), substituted "45 per centum" for "50 per centum", effective Jan. 1, 1979, and "40 per centum" for "45 per centum", effective Jan. 1, 1980.

§9(a)–(c), in par. (1) inserted exception for enterprises comprised exclusively of retail or service establishments and described in par. (2), added par. (2), redesignated former pars. (2) to (5) as (3) to (6), respectively, and in text following par. (6), as so redesignated, inserted provisions relating to coverage of retail or service establishments subject to section 206(a)(1) of this title on June 30, 1978, and provisions relating to violations of such coverage requirements.

§3(a), substituted "$30" for "$20".

1974—Subsec. (d).

§6(a)(1), redefined "employer" to include a public agency and struck out text which excluded from such term the United States or any State or political subdivision of a State (except with respect to employees of a State, or a political subdivision thereof, employed (1) in a hospital, institution, or school referred to in last sentence of subsec. (r) of this section, or (2) in the operation of a railway or carrier referred to in such sentence).

§6(a)(2), in revising definition of "employee", incorporated existing introductory text in provisions designated as par. (1), inserting exception provision; added par. (2); incorporated existing cl. (1) in provisions designated as par. (3); and struck out former cl. (2) excepting from "employee", "any individual who is employed by an employer engaged in agriculture if such individual (A) is employed as a hand harvest laborer and is paid on a piece rate basis in an operation which has been, and is customarily and generally recognized as having been, paid on a piece rate basis in the region of employment, (B) commutes daily from his permanent residence to the farm on which he is so employed, and (C) has been engaged in agriculture less than thirteen weeks during the preceding calendar year".

§6(a)(3), substituted "other activity, or branch or group thereof" for "branch thereof, or group of industries".

§13(e), substituted in provision respecting wage of tipped employee "the amount of the increase on account of tips determined by the employer may not exceed the value of tips actually received by the employee" for "in the case of an employee who (either himself or acting through his representative) shows to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the actual amount of tips received by him was less than the amount determined by the employer as the amount by which the wage paid him was deemed to be increased under this sentence, the amount paid such employee by his employer shall be deemed to have been increased by such lesser amount" and inserted "The previous sentence shall not apply with respect to any tipped employee unless (1) such employee has been informed by the employer of the provisions of this subsection, and (2) all tips received by such employee have been retained by the employee, except that this subsection shall not be construed to prohibit the pooling of tips among employees who customarily and regularly receive tips."

§6(a)(4), added par. (3).

§6(a)(5), in first sentence substituted preceding par. (1) "or employees handling, selling, or otherwise working on goods or materials" for "including employees handling, selling, or otherwise working on goods" and added par. (5), and inserted third sentence deeming employees of an enterprise which is a public agency to be employees engaged in commerce, or in production of goods for commerce, or employees handling, selling, or otherwise working on goods or materials that have been moved in or produced for commerce.

§6(a)(6), added subsec. (x).

1972—Subsecs. (r)(1), (s)(4).

§906(b)(2), (3), inserted reference to a preschool.

1966—Subsec. (d).

§102(b), expanded definition of employer to include a State or a political subdivision thereof with respect to employees in a hospital, institution, or school referred to in last sentence of subsec. (r) of this section, or in the operation of a railway or carrier referred to in such sentence.

§103(a), excluded from definition of "employee," when that term is used in definition of "man-day," any agricultural employee who is the parent, spouse, child, or other member of his employer's immediate family and any agricultural hand harvest laborer, paid on a piece rate basis, who commutes daily from his permanent residence to the farm on which he is so employed, and who has been employed in agriculture less than 13 weeks during the preceding calendar year.

§101(a), inserted provisions for determining the wage of a tipped employee.

§215(a), struck out ", except as used in subsection (s)(1)," before "shall not".

§102(a), extended activities performed for a business purpose to include activities in the operation of hospitals, institutions for the sick, aged, or mentally ill or defective, schools for the handicapped, elementary and secondary schools, institutions of higher learning, or street, suburban, or interurban electric railway or local trolley or motorbus carriers if subject to regulation by a State or local agency regardless of whether public or private or whether operated for profit or not for profit.

§102(c), removed gross annual business level tests of $1,000,000 for retail and service enterprises, street, suburban, or interurban electric railways or local trolley or motorbus carriers, and brought within the coverage of the gross annual business test all enterprises having employees engaged in commerce in the production of goods for commerce, including employees handling, selling, or otherwise working on goods that have been moved in or produced for commerce, lowered the minimum gross annual volume test for covered enterprises from $1,000,000 to $500,000 for the period from Feb. 1, 1967, through Jan. 31, 1969, and to $250,000 for the period after Jan. 31, 1969, retained the $250,000 annual gross volume test for coverage of gasoline service establishments, and expanded coverage to include laundering or cleaning services, construction or reconstruction activities, or operation of hospitals, certain institutions for the care of the sick, aged, or mentally ill, certain special schools, and institutions of higher learning regardless of annual gross volume.

§101(b), added subsec. (t).

§103(b), added subsec. (u).

§102(d), added subsecs. (v) and (w).

1961—Subsec. (m).

§2(a), provided for exclusion from wages under a collective-bargaining agreement the cost of board, lodging, or other facilities and authorized the Secretary to determine the fair value of board, lodging, or other facilities for defined classes of employees in defined areas to be used in lieu of actual cost.

§2(b), inserted ", except as used in subsection (s)(1)," before "shall not".

§2(c), added subsecs. (p) to (s).

1949—Subsec. (b). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §3(a), substituted "between" for "from" after "States or", and "and" for "to" before "any place".

Subsec. (j). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §3(b), inserted "closely related" before "process" and substituted "directly essential" for "necessary" after "occupation".

Subsec. (l)(1). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §3(c), included parental employment of a child under 16 years of age in an occupation found by the Secretary of Labor to be hazardous for children between the ages of 16 and 18 years, in definition of oppressive child labor.

Subsecs. (n), (o). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §3(d), added subsecs. (n) and (o).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Government Publishing Office" substituted for "Government Printing Office" in subsec. (e)(2)(A)(vi) on authority of section 1301(b) of

set out as a note preceding section 301 of Title 44 , Public Printing and Documents.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

§3(e), Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 939 , provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 213 of this title ] shall become effective on April 1, 1990."

§5, Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 941 , provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Apr. 1, 1990.

Effective Date of 1985 Amendment; Promulgation of Regulations

§6, Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 790 , provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 207 and 211 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 201, 207, 215, and 216 of this title ] shall take effect April 15, 1986. The Secretary of Labor shall before such date promulgate such regulations as may be required to implement such amendments."

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

§3(a), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1249 , provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Jan. 1, 1978.

§3(b)(1), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1249 , provided that the amendment made by that section, reducing the maximum percentage of the minimum wage used in determining tips as wages from 50 to 45 per centum, is effective Jan. 1, 1979.

§3(b)(2), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1249 , provided that the amendment made by that section, reducing the maximum percentage of the minimum wage used in determining tips as wages from 45 to 40 per centum, is effective Jan. 1, 1980.

"(a) Except as provided in sections 3, 14, and subsection (b) of this section, the amendments made by this Act [amending sections 206, 208, 213, and 216 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 204 of this title ] shall take effect January 1, 1978.

"(b) The amendments made by sections 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13 [amending this section and sections 213 and 214 of this title ] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 1, 1977]."

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of

set out as a note under section 202 of this title .

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

title VI, §602, Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 844 , provided in part that: "Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 206, 207, 213, 214, 216, 218, and 255 of this title ] shall take effect on February 1, 1967."

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

§14, May 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 75 , provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 204 to 208, 212 to 214, 216, and 217 of this title ] shall take effect upon the expiration of one hundred and twenty days after the date of its enactment [May 5, 1961], except as otherwise provided in such amendments and except that the authority to promulgate necessary rules, regulations, or orders with regard to amendments made by this Act, under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and amendments thereto [this chapter], including amendments made by this Act, may be exercised by the Secretary on and after the date of enactment of this Act [May 5, 1961]."

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Amendment by act Oct. 26, 1949, effective ninety days after Oct. 26, 1949, see section 16(a) of act Oct. 26, 1949, set out as a note under section 202 of this title .

Effect on Regulations

div. S, title XII, §1201(c), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1149 , provided that: "The portions of the final rule promulgated by the Department of Labor entitled 'Updating Regulations Issued Under the Fair Labor Standards Act' (76 Fed. Reg. 18832 (April 5, 2011)) that revised sections 531.52, 531.54, and 531.59 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (76 Fed. Reg. 18854–18856) and that are not addressed by section 3(m) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 ( 29 U.S.C. 203(m) ) (as such section was in effect on April 5, 2011), shall have no further force or effect until any future action taken by the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor."

Construction of 1999 Amendment

§2, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1731 , provided that: "The amendment made by section 1 [amending this section] shall not be construed to reduce or substitute for compensation standards: (1) contained in any existing or future agreement or memorandum of understanding reached through collective bargaining by a bona fide representative of employees in accordance with the laws of a State or political subdivision of a State; and (2) which result in compensation greater than the compensation available to employees under the overtime exemption under section 7(k) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [ 29 U.S.C. 207(k) ]."

Preservation of Coverage

"(1) In general .—Any enterprise that on March 31, 1990, was subject to section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 ( 29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1) ) and that because of the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] is not subject to such section shall—

"(A) pay its employees not less than the minimum wage in effect under such section on March 31, 1990;

"(B) pay its employees in accordance with section 7 of such Act ( 29 U.S.C. 207 ); and

"(C) remain subject to section 12 of such Act ( 29 U.S.C. 212 ).

"(2) Violations .—A violation of paragraph (1) shall be considered a violation of section 6, 7, or 12 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [ 29 U.S.C. 206, 207, 212 ], as the case may be."

Volunteers; Promulgation of Regulations

§4(b), Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 790 , provided that: "Not later than March 15, 1986, the Secretary of Labor shall issue regulations to carry out paragraph (4) of section 3(e) (as amended by subsection (a) of this section) [ 29 U.S.C. 203(e)(4) ]."

Practice of Public Agency in Treating Certain Individuals as Volunteers Prior to April 15, 1986; Liability

§4(c), Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 790 , provided that: "If, before April 15, 1986, the practice of a public agency was to treat certain individuals as volunteers, such individuals shall until April 15, 1986, be considered, for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [this chapter], as volunteers and not as employees. No public agency which is a State, a political subdivision of a State, or an interstate governmental agency shall be liable for a violation of section 6 [ 29 U.S.C. 206 ] occurring before April 15, 1986, with respect to services deemed by that agency to have been performed for it by an individual on a voluntary basis."

Status of Baggers at Commissary of Military Department

title VIII, §819, Oct. 20, 1978, 92 Stat. 1626 , provided that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual who performs bagger or carryout service for patrons of a commissary of a military department may not be considered to be an employee for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [this chapter] by virtue of such service if the sole compensation of such individual for such service is derived from tips."

Administrative Action by Secretary of Labor With Regard to Implementation of Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1977

§15(c), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1253 , provided that: "On and after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 1, 1977], the Secretary of Labor shall take such administrative action as may be necessary for the implementation of the amendments made by this Act [See Short Title of 1977 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title ]."

Rules, Regulations, and Orders Promulgated With Regard to 1966 Amendments

title VI, §602, Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 844 , provided in part that: "On and after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 23, 1966] the Secretary is authorized to promulgate necessary rules, regulations, or orders with regard to the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1966 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title ]."

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

In subsec. (l), "Secretary of Labor" substituted for "Chief of the Children's Bureau in the Department of Labor" and for "Chief of the Children's Bureau" pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1946, §1(b), eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7873, 60 Stat. 1095 , set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, which transferred functions of Children's Bureau and its Chief under sections 201 to 216 and 217 to 219 of this title to Secretary of Labor to be performed under his direction and control by such officers and employees of Department of Labor as he designates.

CHAPTER 8 -FAIR LABOR STANDARDS!@!Sec. 204 -->

§204. Administration

(a) Creation of Wage and Hour Division in Department of Labor; Administrator

There is created in the Department of Labor a Wage and Hour Division which shall be under the direction of an Administrator, to be known as the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division (in this chapter referred to as the "Administrator"). The Administrator shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) Appointment, selection, classification, and promotion of employees by Administrator

The Administrator may, subject to the civil-service laws, appoint such employees as he deems necessary to carry out his functions and duties under this chapter and shall fix their compensation in accordance with chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5 . The Administrator may establish and utilize such regional, local, or other agencies, and utilize such voluntary and uncompensated services, as may from time to time be needed. Attorneys appointed under this section may appear for and represent the Administrator in any litigation, but all such litigation shall be subject to the direction and control of the Attorney General. In the appointment, selection, classification, and promotion of officers and employees of the Administrator, no political test or qualification shall be permitted or given consideration, but all such appointments and promotions shall be given and made on the basis of merit and efficiency.

(c) Principal office of Administrator; jurisdiction

The principal office of the Administrator shall be in the District of Columbia, but he or his duly authorized representative may exercise any or all of his powers in any place.

(d) Biennial report to Congress; studies of exemptions to hour and wage provisions and means to prevent curtailment of employment opportunities

(1) The Secretary shall submit biennially in January a report to the Congress covering his activities for the preceding two years and including such information, data, and recommendations for further legislation in connection with the matters covered by this chapter as he may find advisable. Such report shall contain an evaluation and appraisal by the Secretary of the minimum wages and overtime coverage established by this chapter, together with his recommendations to the Congress. In making such evaluation and appraisal, the Secretary shall take into consideration any changes which may have occurred in the cost of living and in productivity and the level of wages in manufacturing, the ability of employers to absorb wage increases, and such other factors as he may deem pertinent. Such report shall also include a summary of the special certificates issued under section 214(b) of this title .

(2) The Secretary shall conduct studies on the justification or lack thereof for each of the special exemptions set forth in section 213 of this title , and the extent to which such exemptions apply to employees of establishments described in subsection (g) of such section and the economic effects of the application of such exemptions to such employees. The Secretary shall submit a report of his findings and recommendations to the Congress with respect to the studies conducted under this paragraph not later than January 1, 1976.

(3) The Secretary shall conduct a continuing study on means to prevent curtailment of employment opportunities for manpower groups which have had historically high incidences of unemployment (such as disadvantaged minorities, youth, elderly, and such other groups as the Secretary may designate). The first report of the results of such study shall be transmitted to the Congress not later than one year after the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974. Subsequent reports on such study shall be transmitted to the Congress at two-year intervals after such effective date. Each such report shall include suggestions respecting the Secretary's authority under section 214 of this title .

(e) Study of effects of foreign production on unemployment; report to President and Congress

Whenever the Secretary has reason to believe that in any industry under this chapter the competition of foreign producers in United States markets or in markets abroad, or both, has resulted, or is likely to result, in increased unemployment in the United States, he shall undertake an investigation to gain full information with respect to the matter. If he determines such increased unemployment has in fact resulted, or is in fact likely to result, from such competition, he shall make a full and complete report of his findings and determinations to the President and to the Congress: Provided, That he may also include in such report information on the increased employment resulting from additional exports in any industry under this chapter as he may determine to be pertinent to such report.

(f) Employees of Library of Congress; administration of provisions by Office of Personnel Management

The Secretary is authorized to enter into an agreement with the Librarian of Congress with respect to individuals employed in the Library of Congress to provide for the carrying out of the Secretary's functions under this chapter with respect to such individuals. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, or any other law, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management is authorized to administer the provisions of this chapter with respect to any individual employed by the United States (other than an individual employed in the Library of Congress, United States Postal Service, Postal Regulatory Commission, or the Tennessee Valley Authority). Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to affect the right of an employee to bring an action for unpaid minimum wages, or unpaid overtime compensation, and liquidated damages under section 216(b) of this title .

§§6(b), 24(c), 27, Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 60 , 72, 73; 1978 Reorg. Plan No. 2, §102, eff. Jan. 1, 1979, 43 F.R. 36037, 92 Stat. 3783 ;

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, referred to in subsec. (d)(3), is the effective date of

which is May 1, 1974, except as otherwise specifically provided, see section 29(a) of

set out as an Effective Date of 1974 Amendment note under section 202 of this title .

Codification

In subsec. (a), provisions that prescribed the compensation of the Administrator were omitted to conform to the provisions of the Executive Schedule. See section 5316 of Title 5 , Government Organization and Employees.

In subsec. (b), " chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5 " substituted for "the Classification Act of 1949, as amended" on authority of

§7(b), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 631 , the first section of which enacted Title 5.

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (f).

substituted "Postal Regulatory Commission" for "Postal Rate Commission".

1995—Subsec. (d)(1).

in first sentence substituted "biennially" and "preceding two years" for "annually" and "preceding year", respectively.

1974—Subsec. (d)(1).

§§24(c), 27(1), (2), inserted provision at end of subsec. (d) requiring the report to Congress to include a summary of the special certificates issued under section 214(b) of this title , designated subsec. (d) provisions as subsec. (d)(1), and required the report to contain an evaluation and appraisal of overtime coverage established by this chapter, respectively.

§27(3), added pars. (2) and (3).

§6(b), added subsec. (f).

1961—Subsec. (e).

1955—Subsec. (d). Act Aug. 12, 1955, required an evaluation and appraisal by the Secretary of the minimum wages, together with his recommendations to Congress, to be included in the annual report.

1949—Subsec. (b). Act Oct. 28, 1949, substituted "Classification Act of 1949" for "Classification Act of 1923".

Subsec. (a). Act Oct. 26, 1949, increased compensation of Administrator to $15,000.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of

set out as a note under section 202 of this title .

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

effective upon expiration of one hundred and twenty days after May 5, 1961, except as otherwise provided, see section 14 of

set out as a note under section 203 of this title .

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Amendment by act Oct. 26, 1949, effective Oct. 26, 1949, see section 16(a) of act Oct. 26, 1949, set out as a note under section 202 of this title .

Repeals

Acts Oct. 26, 1949, ch. 736, §4, 63 Stat. 911 , and Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, cited as a credit to this section, were repealed (subject to a savings clause) by

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions of law requiring submittal to Congress of any annual, semiannual, or other regular periodic report listed in House Document No. 103–7 (in which reports required under paragraphs (1) and (3) of subsec. (d) of this section are listed on page 124), see section 3003 of

set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31 , Money and Finance.

Minimum Wage Study Commission; Establishment, Purposes, Composition, Etc.

§2(e), Nov. 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 1246 , provided for the establishment, purposes, composition, etc., of the Minimum Wage Study Commission, the submission of reports, with the latest report being submitted to the President and Congress thirty six months after the date of the appointment of the members of the Commission and such appointments being made within 180 days after Nov. 1, 1977, and the Commission to cease to exist thirty days after submission of the report.

Definition of "Secretary"

Act Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 867, §6, 69 Stat. 712 , provided that: "The term 'Secretary' as used in this Act and in amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 205, 206, 208, and 210 of this title ] means the Secretary of Labor."

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions relating to enforcement and administration of equal pay provisions vested by subsecs. (d)(1) and (f) in Secretary of Labor and Civil Service Commission transferred to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1978, §1, 43 F.R. 19807, 92 Stat. 3781 , set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–101 of Ex. Ord. No. 12106, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1053.

"Director of the Office of Personnel Management" substituted for "Civil Service Commission" in subsec. (f), pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1978, §102, 43 F.R. 36037, 92 Stat. 3783 , set out under section 1101 of Title 5 , Government Organization and Employees, which transferred all functions vested by statute in United States Civil Service Commission to Director of the Office of Personnel Management (except as otherwise specified), effective Jan. 1, 1979, as provided by section 1–102 of Ex. Ord. No. 12107, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1055, set out under section 1101 of Title 5 .

Functions of all other officers of Department of Labor and functions of all agencies and employees of that Department, with exception of functions vested by Administrative Procedure Act (now covered by sections 551 et seq. and 701 et seq. of Title 5 , Government Organization and Employees) in hearing examiners employed by Department, transferred to Secretary of Labor, with power vested in him to authorize their performance or performance of any of his functions by any of those officers, agencies, and employees, by Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263 , set out in the Appendix to Title 5.

CHAPTER 8 -FAIR LABOR STANDARDS!@!Sec. 205 -->

§205. Repealed.

§4(a), Nov. 17, 1989, 103 Stat. 939 , related to establishment of special industry committees for American Samoa to recommend the minimum rate or rates of wages. See section 8103 of

set out as a note under section 206 of this title .

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective 60 days after May 25, 2007, see section 8103(c)(2) of

set out as an Effective Date of 2007 Amendment note under section 206 of this title .

CHAPTER 8 -FAIR LABOR STANDARDS!@!Sec. 206 -->

§206. Minimum wage

(a) Employees engaged in commerce; home workers in Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands; employees in American Samoa; seamen on American vessels; agricultural employees

Every employer shall pay to each of his employees who in any workweek is engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, or is employed in an enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, wages at the following rates:

(1) except as otherwise provided in this section, not less than—

(A) $5.85 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after May 25, 2007;

(B) $6.55 an hour, beginning 12 months after that 60th day; and

(C) $7.25 an hour, beginning 24 months after that 60th day;

(2) if such employee is a home worker in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, not less than the minimum piece rate prescribed by regulation or order; or, if no such minimum piece rate is in effect, any piece rate adopted by such employer which shall yield, to the proportion or class of employees prescribed by regulation or order, not less than the applicable minimum hourly wage rate. Such minimum piece rates or employer piece rates shall be commensurate with, and shall be paid in lieu of, the minimum hourly wage rate applicable under the provisions of this section. The Administrator, or his authorized representative, shall have power to make such regulations or orders as are necessary or appropriate to carry out any of the provisions of this paragraph, including the power without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to define any operation or occupation which is performed by such home work employees in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands; to establish minimum piece rates for any operation or occupation so defined; to prescribe the method and procedure for ascertaining and promulgating minimum piece rates; to prescribe standards for employer piece rates, including the proportion or class of employees who shall receive not less than the minimum hourly wage rate; to define the term "home worker"; and to prescribe the conditions under which employers, agents, contractors, and subcontractors shall cause goods to be produced by home workers;

(3) if such employee is employed as a seaman on an American vessel, not less than the rate which will provide to the employee, for the period covered by the wage payment, wages equal to compensation at the hourly rate prescribed by paragraph (1) of this subsection for all hours during such period when he was actually on duty (including periods aboard ship when the employee was on watch or was, at the direction of a superior officer, performing work or standing by, but not including off-duty periods which are provided pursuant to the employment agreement); or

(4) if such employee is employed in agriculture, not less than the minimum wage rate in effect under paragraph (1) after December 31, 1977.

(b) Additional applicability to employees pursuant to subsequent amendatory provisions

Every employer shall pay to each of his employees (other than an employee to whom subsection (a)(5) 1 applies) who in any workweek is engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, or is employed in an enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce, and who in such workweek is brought within the purview of this section by the amendments made to this chapter by the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 [ 20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. ], or the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, wages at the following rate: Effective after December 31, 1977, not less than the minimum wage rate in effect under subsection (a)(1).

(c) Repealed.

(d) Prohibition of sex discrimination

(1) No employer having employees subject to any provisions of this section shall discriminate, within any establishment in which such employees are employed, between employees on the basis of sex by paying wages to employees in such establishment at a rate less than the rate at which he pays wages to employees of the opposite sex in such establishment for equal work on jobs the performance of which requires equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions, except where such payment is made pursuant to (i) a seniority system; (ii) a merit system; (iii) a system which measures earnings by quantity or quality of production; or (iv) a differential based on any other factor other than sex: Provided, That an employer who is paying a wage rate differential in violation of this subsection shall not, in order to comply with the provisions of this subsection, reduce the wage rate of any employee.

(2) No labor organization, or its agents, representing employees of an employer having employees subject to any provisions of this section shall cause or attempt to cause such an employer to discriminate against an employee in violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(3) For purposes of administration and enforcement, any amounts owing to any employee which have been withheld in violation of this subsection shall be deemed to be unpaid minimum wages or unpaid overtime compensation under this chapter.

(4) As used in this subsection, the term "labor organization" means any organization of any kind, or any agency or employee representation committee or plan, in which employees participate and which exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of dealing with employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, hours of employment, or conditions of work.

(e) Employees of employers providing contract services to United States

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 213 of this title (except subsections (a)(1) and (f) thereof), every employer providing any contract services (other than linen supply services) under a contract with the United States or any subcontract thereunder shall pay to each of his employees whose rate of pay is not governed by chapter 67 of title 41 or to whom subsection (a)(1) of this section is not applicable, wages at rates not less than the rates provided for in subsection (b) of this section.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 213 of this title (except subsections (a)(1) and (f) thereof) and the provisions of chapter 67 of title 41 , every employer in an establishment providing linen supply services to the United States under a contract with the United States or any subcontract thereunder shall pay to each of his employees in such establishment wages at rates not less than those prescribed in subsection (b), except that if more than 50 per centum of the gross annual dollar volume of sales made or business done by such establishment is derived from providing such linen supply services under any such contracts or subcontracts, such employer shall pay to each of his employees in such establishment wages at rates not less than those prescribed in subsection (a)(1) of this section.

(f) Employees in domestic service

(1) who in any workweek is employed in domestic service in a household shall be paid wages at a rate not less than the wage rate in effect under subsection (b) unless such employee's compensation for such service would not because of section 209(a)(6) of the Social Security Act [ 42 U.S.C. 409(a)(6) ] constitute wages for the purposes of title II of such Act [ 42 U.S.C. 401 et seq. ], or

(2) who in any workweek—

(A) is employed in domestic service in one or more households, and

(B) is so employed for more than 8 hours in the aggregate,

shall be paid wages for such employment in such workweek at a rate not less than the wage rate in effect under subsection (b).

(g) Newly hired employees who are less than 20 years old

(1) In lieu of the rate prescribed by subsection (a)(1), any employer may pay any employee of such employer, during the first 90 consecutive calendar days after such employee is initially employed by such employer, a wage which is not less than $4.25 an hour.

(2) In lieu of the rate prescribed by subsection (a)(1), the Governor of Puerto Rico, subject to the approval of the Financial Oversight and Management Board established pursuant to section 2121 of title 48 , may designate a time period not to exceed four years during which employers in Puerto Rico may pay employees who are initially employed after June 30, 2016, a wage which is not less than the wage described in paragraph (1). Notwithstanding the time period designated, such wage shall not continue in effect after such Board terminates in accordance with section 2149 of title 48 .

(3) No employer may take any action to displace employees (including partial displacements such as reduction in hours, wages, or employment benefits) for purposes of hiring individuals at the wage authorized in paragraph (1) or (2).

(4) Any employer who violates this subsection shall be considered to have violated section 215(a)(3) of this title .

(5) This subsection shall only apply to an employee who has not attained the age of 20 years, except in the case of the wage applicable in Puerto Rico, 25 years, until such time as the Board described in paragraph (2) terminates in accordance with section 2149 of title 48 .

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Subsection (a)(5), referred to in subsec. (b), was redesignated subsec. (a)(4) of this section by

The Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, referred to in subsec. (b), is

Sept. 23, 1966, 80 Stat. 830 . For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1966 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title and Tables.

The Education Amendments of 1972, referred to in subsec. (b), is

June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 235 . Title IX of the Act, known as the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, is classified principally to chapter 38 (§1681 et seq.) of Title 20 , Education. For complete classification of title IX to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1681 of Title 20 and Tables.

The Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, referred to in subsec. (b), is

Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 55 . For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1974 Amendment note set out under section 201 of this title and Tables.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(1), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620 . Title II of such Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42 , The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Codification

In subsec. (e)(1), " chapter 67 of title 41 " substituted for "the Service Contract Act of 1965 ( 41 U.S.C. 351–357 )" on authority of

§6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854 , which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

In subsec. (e)(2), " chapter 67 of title 41 " substituted for "the Service Contract Act of 1965" on authority of

§6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854 , which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (g)(2) to (5).

added pars. (2) to (5) and struck out former pars. (2) to (4) which read as follows:

"(2) No employer may take any action to displace employees (including partial displacements such as reduction in hours, wages, or employment benefits) for purposes of hiring individuals at the wage authorized in paragraph (1).

"(3) Any employer who violates this subsection shall be considered to have violated section 215(a)(3) of this title .

"(4) This subsection shall only apply to an employee who has not attained the age of 20 years."

2007—Subsec. (a)(1).

§8102(a), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "except as otherwise provided in this section, not less than $4.25 an hour during the period ending on September 30, 1996, not less than $4.75 an hour during the year beginning on October 1, 1996, and not less than $5.15 an hour beginning September 1, 1997;".

§8103(c)(1)(B), redesignated pars. (4) and (5) as (3) and (4), respectively, and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "if such employee is employed in American Samoa, in lieu of the rate or rates provided by this subsection or subsection (b), not less than the applicable rate established by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with recommendations of a special industry committee or committees which he shall appoint pursuant to sections 205 and 208 of this title . The minimum wage rate thus established shall not exceed the rate prescribed in paragraph (1) of this subsection;".

1996—Subsec. (a)(1).

§2104(b), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "except as otherwise provided in this section, not less than $3.35 an hour during the period ending March 31, 1990, not less than $3.80 an hour during the year beginning April 1, 1990, and not less than $4.25 an hour after March 31, 1991;".

§2104(c), struck out subsec. (c) which related to employees in Puerto Rico.

§2105(c), added subsec. (g).

1989—Subsec. (a)(1).

§2, amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "not less than $2.65 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1978, not less than $2.90 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1979, not less than $3.10 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1980, and not less than $3.35 an hour after December 31, 1980, except as otherwise provided in this section;".

§4(b)(1), substituted "pursuant to sections 205 and 208 of this title " for "in the same manner and pursuant to the same provisions as are applicable to the special industry committees provided for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands by this chapter as amended from time to time. Each such committee shall have the same powers and duties and shall apply the same standards with respect to the application of the provisions of this chapter to employees employed in American Samoa as pertain to special industry committees established under section 205 of this title with respect to employees employed in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands".

§4(b)(2), amended subsec. (c) generally, substituting provisions relating to the application of wage rates under subsec. (a)(1) to employees in Puerto Rico for provisions relating to the superseding of subsec. (a)(1) wage rates by wage orders of a special industry committee for employees in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

substituted "209(a)(6)" for "209(g)".

1977—Subsec. (a)(1).

§2(a), substituted "not less than $2.65 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1978, not less than $2.90 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1979, not less than $3.10 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1980, and not less than $3.35 an hour after December 1, 1980" for "not less than $2 an hour during the period ending December 31, 1974, not less than $2.10 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1975, and not less than $2.30 an hour after December 31, 1975".

§2(b), substituted provisions for a minimum wage rate of not less than the minimum wage rate in effect under par. (1) after Dec. 31, 1977, for provisions for a minimum wage rate of not less than $1.60 an hour during the period ending Dec. 31, 1974, $1.80 an hour during the year beginning Jan. 1, 1975, $2 an hour during the year beginning Jan. 1, 1976, $2.20 an hour during the year beginning Jan. 1, 1977, and $2.30 an hour after Dec. 31, 1977.

§2(c), substituted provisions for a minimum wage rate, effective after Dec. 31, 1977, of not less than the minimum wage rate in effect under subsec. (a)(1) of this section, for provisions for a minimum wage rate of not less than $1.90 an hour during the period ending Dec. 31, 1974, not less than $2 an hour during the year beginning Jan. 1, 1975, not less than $2.20 an hour during the year beginning Jan. 1, 1976, and not less than $2.30 an hour after Dec. 31, 1976.

§2(d)(2)(A), inserted "(A)" before "heretofore" and cl. (B), and substituted "subsection (a)(1)" for "subsections (a) and (b)".

§2(d)(1), added par. (2). Former par. (2), relating to applicability, etc., of wage rate orders effective on the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, and effective on the first day of the second and each subsequent year after such date, was struck out.

§2(d)(1), (2)(B), (C), redesignated par. (5) as (3) and substituted references to subsec. (a)(1) of this section, for references to subsec. (a) or (b) of this section. Former par. (3), relating to appointment of a special industry committee for recommendations with respect to highest minimum wage rates for employees employed in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands subject to the amendments to this chapter by the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974, was struck out.

§2(d)(1), (2)(B), (D), redesignated par. (6) as (4) and struck out "or (3)" after "(2)". Former par. (4), relating to wage rates of employees in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands subject to the former provisions of subsec. (c)(2)(A) or (3) of this section, was struck out.

§2(d)(2)(B), redesignated pars. (5) and (6) as (3) and (4), respectively.

1974—Subsec. (a)(1).

§2, substituted "not less than $2 an hour during the period ending December 31, 1974, not less than $2.10 an hour during the year beginning January 1, 1975, and not less than $2.30 an hour after December 31, 1975" for "not less than $1.40 an hour during the first year from the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 and not less than $1.60 an hour thereafter".

§4, substituted provisions for a minimum wage rate not less than: $1.60 an hour during period ending Dec. 31, 1974; $1.80, $2, and $2.20 an hour during years beginning Jan. 1, 1975, 1976, and 1977, respectively; and $2.30 an hour after Dec. 31, 1977 for former provisions for a minimum wage rate not less than $1 an hour during first year from the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, not less than $1.15 an hour during second year from such date, and not less than $1.30 an hour thereafter.

§3, inserted references to "title II of the Education Amendments of 1972" and "Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1974" and substituted provisions for a minimum wage rate not less than $1.90 an hour during period ending Dec. 31, 1974; $2 and $2.20 an hour during years beginning Jan. 1, 1975, and 1976, respectively; and $2.30 an hour after Dec. 31, 1976 for former provisions for a minimum wage rate not less than: $1 an hour during first year from effective date of Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966; $1.15, $1.30, and $1.45 an hour during second, third, and fourth years from such date; and $1.60 an hour thereafter.

§5(b), added pars. (2) to (6) and struck out former pars. (2) to (4) which had provided:

"(2) In the case of any such employee who is covered by such a wage order and to whom the rate or rates prescribed by subsection (a) would otherwise apply, the following rates shall apply:

"(A) The rate or rates applicable under the most recent wage order issued by the Secretary prior to the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, increased by 12 per centum, unless such rate or rates are superseded by the rate or rates prescribed in a wage order issued by the Secretary pursuant to the recommendations of a review committee appointed under paragraph (C). Such rate or rates shall become effective sixty days after the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 or one year from the effective date of the most recent wage order applicable to such employee therefore issued by the Secretary pursuant to the recommendations of a special industry committee appointed under section 205 of this title , whichever is later.

"(B) Beginning one year after the applicable effective date under paragraph (A), not less than the rate or rates prescribed by paragraph (A), increased by an amount equal to 16 per centum of the rate or rates applicable under the most recent wage order issued by the Secretary prior to the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, unless such rate or rates are superseded by the rate or rates prescribed in a wage order issued by the Secretary pursuant to the recommendations of a review committee appointed under paragraph (C).

"(C) Any employer, or group of employers, employing a majority of the employees in an industry in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, may apply to the Secretary in writing for the appointment of a review committee to recommend the minimum rate or rates to be paid such employees in lieu of the rate or rates provided by paragraph (A) or (B). Any such application with respect to any rate or rates provided for under paragraph (A) shall be filed within sixty days following the enactment of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 and any such application with respect to any rate or rates provided for under paragraph (B) shall be filed not more than one hundred and twenty days and not less than sixty days prior to the effective date of the applicable rate or rates under paragraph (B). The Secretary shall promptly consider such application and may appoint a review committee if he has reasonable cause to believe, on the basis of financial and other information contained in the application, that compliance with any applicable rate or rates prescribed by paragraph (A) or (B) will substantially curtail employment in such industry. The Secretary's decision upon any such application shall be final. Any wage order issued pursuant to the recommendations of a review committee appointed under this paragraph shall take effect on the applicable effective date provided in paragraph (A) or (B).

"(D) In the event a wage order has not been issued pursuant to the recommendation of a review committee prior to the applicable effective date under paragraph (A) or (B), the applicable percentage increase provided by any such paragraph shall take effect on the effective date prescribed therein, except with respect to the employees of an employer who filed an application under paragraph (C) and who files with the Secretary an undertaking with a surety or sureties satisfactory to the Secretary for payment to his employees of an amount sufficient to compensate such employees for the difference between the wages they actually receive and the wages to which they are entitled under this subsection. The Secretary shall be empowered to enforce such undertaking and any sums recovered by him shall be held on a special deposit account and shall be paid, on order of the Secretary, directly to the employee or employees affected. Any such sum not paid to an employee because of inability to do so within a period of three years shall be covered into the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts.

"(3) In the case of any such employee to whom subsection (a)(5) or subsection (b) would otherwise apply, the Secretary shall within sixty days after the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 appoint a special industry committee in accordance with section 205 of this title to recommend the highest minimum wage rate or rates in accordance with the standards prescribed by section 208 of this title , but not in excess of the applicable rate provided by subsection (a)(5) or subsection (b), to be applicable to such employee in lieu of the rate or rates prescribed by subsection (a)(5) or subsection (b), as the case may be. The rate or rates recommended by the special industry committee shall be effective with respect to such employee upon the effective date of the wage order issued pursuant to such recommendation but not before sixty days after the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966.

"(4) The provisions of sections 205 and 208 of this title , relating to special industry committees, shall be applicable to review committees appointed under this subsection. The appointment of a review committee shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any special industry committee required to be appointed pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of section 208 of this title , except that no special industry committee shall hold any hearing within one year after a minimum wage rate or rates for such industry shall have been recommended to the Secretary by a review committee to be paid in lieu of the rate or rates provided for under paragraph (A) or (B). The minimum wage rate or rates prescribed by this subsection shall be in effect only for so long as and insofar as such minimum wage rate or rates have not been superseded by a wage order fixing a higher minimum wage rate or rates (but not in excess of the applicable rate prescribed in subsection (a) or subsection (b)) hereafter issued by the Secretary pursuant to the recommendation of a special industry committee."

§7(b)(1), added subsec. (f).

1966—Subsec. (a).

§301(a), inserted ", or is employed in an enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce," in opening provisions.

§301(a), raised minimum wage to not less than $1.40 an hour during first year from the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966, and not less than $1.60 thereafter, except as otherwise provided in this section.

§301(b), added par. (4).

§302, added par. (5).

§303, substituted provisions for a minimum wage for employees covered for first time by the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 (other than newly covered agricultural employees) at not less than $1 an hour during first year from the effective date of the 1966 amendments, not less than $1.15 an hour during second year from such date, not less than $1.30 an hour during third year from such date, not less than $1.45 an hour during fourth year from such date, and not less than $1.60 an hour thereafter, for provisions setting a timetable for increases in the minimum wage of employees first covered by the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1961.

§304, provided for a percentage minimum wage increase for employees in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands who are covered by wage orders already in effect as the equivalent of the percentage increase on the mainland, provided for minimum wages for employees brought within coverage of this chapter for the first time by the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 at rates to be set by special industry committees so as to reach as rapidly as is economically feasible without substantially curtailing employment the objectives of the minimum wage prescribed for mainland employees, and eliminated the review committees that has been established by the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1961.

§305, added subsec. (e).

1963—Subsec. (d).

1961—Subsec. (a).

§5(a)(1), inserted "in any workweek" in opening provisions.

§5(a)(2), increased minimum wage from not less than $1 an hour to not less than $1.15 an hour during first two years from the effective date of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1961, and not less than $1.25 an hour thereafter.

§5(a)(3), inserted "in lieu of the rate or rates provided by this subsection or subsection (b)" and "as amended from time to time" and struck out "now" before "applicable to".

§5(b), added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b) had provided that "This section shall take effect upon the expiration of one hundred and twenty days from June 25, 1938."

§5(c), added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c) had provided for wage orders recommended by special industrial committees and covering employees in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to supersede minimum wages of $1 an hour and for continuance of wage orders in effect prior to effective date of this chapter until superseded by wage orders recommended by the special industrial committees.

1956—Subsec. (a)(3). Act Aug. 8, 1956, added par. (3).

1955—Subsec. (a)(1). Act Aug. 12, 1955, increased minimum wage from not less than 75 cents an hour to not less than $1 an hour.

1949—Subsec. (a). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §6(a), (b), struck out subpars. (1), (2), (3), and (4), inserted subpar. (1) fixing the minimum wage rate at not less than 75 cents an hour, and redesignated subpar. (5) as (2).

Subsec. (c). Act Oct. 26, 1949, §6(c), continued existing minimum wage rates in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands until superseded by special industry committee wage orders.

1940—Subsec. (a)(5). Act June 26, 1940, added par. (5).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

§1(c), Oct. 7, 2015, 129 Stat. 546 , provided that: "This Act [amending provisions set out as notes under this section], and the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect as of September 29, 2015."

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment

title VIII, §8102(b), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 188 , provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 25, 2007]."

title VIII, §8103(c)(2), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 189 , provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section and repealing sections 205 and 208 of this title ] shall take effect 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 25, 2007]."

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

effective Jan. 1, 1978, see section 15(a) of

set out as a note under section 203 of this title .

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Amendment by sections 2 to 4 and 7(b)(1) of

effective May 1, 1974, see section 29(a) of

set out as a note under section 202 of this title .

§5(b), Apr. 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 56 , provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Apr. 8, 1974.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

effective Feb. 1, 1967, except as otherwise provided, see section 602 of

set out as a note under section 203 of this title .

Effective Date of 1963 Amendment

§4, June 10, 1963, 77 Stat. 57 , provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [amending this section and enacting provisions set out below] shall take effect upon the expiration of one year from the date of its enactment [June 10, 1963]: Provided, That in the case of employees covered by a bona fide collective bargaining agreement in effect at least thirty days prior to the date of enactment of this Act [June 10, 1963], entered into by a labor organization as defined in section 6(d)(4) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended [subsec. (d)(4) of this section], the amendments made by this Act shall take effect upon the termination of such collective bargaining agreement or upon the expiration of two years from the date of enactment of this Act [June 10, 1963], whichever shall first occur."

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

effective upon expiration of one hundred and twenty days after May 5, 1961, except as otherwise provided, see section 14 of

set out as a note under section 203 of this title .

Effective Date of 1955 Amendment

Act Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 867, §3, 69 Stat. 711 , provided that the amendment made by section 3 is effective Mar. 1, 1956.

Effective Date of 1949 Amendment

Amendment by act Oct. 26, 1949, effective ninety days after Oct. 26, 1949, see section 16(a) of act Oct. 26, 1949, set out as a note under section 202 of this title .