Complete The Following Assignment Using APA Format

Complete The Following Assignment Using Apa Format And The Below Liste

Complete the following assignment using APA format and the below listed instructions. Select one of the U.S. Federal Pay Regulations from Exhibit 17.1 on pp. . Using the Online Library, conduct additional research on one of the regulations. Your research project should be a minimum of three pages.

Page count does not include the title page or reference page. Include the following in your research:

- History of the Act

- Why it was created

- How it influenced the area of human resources and compensation

- What the future holds for the act

- How it affected the employer and the employee

- Do you agree with this act? Why, or why not?

Your paper should follow APA style, and all references should be cited.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The landscape of federal pay regulations in the United States has significantly shaped the functioning of human resources and compensation practices within both public and private sectors. Among these, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) stands out as a landmark legislation that established crucial standards for wages, working hours, and labor rights. This paper explores the history, purpose, influence, future prospects, and impacts of the FLSA, along with a personal perspective on its overall effectiveness.

History of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

The FLSA was enacted in 1938 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives aimed at combating the economic hardships of the Great Depression. Initially, it targeted establishing minimum wages, maximum working hours, and prohibiting child labor. This legislation was prompted by widespread exploitation during the early 20th century, where workers faced long hours under poor conditions with little protection. Over the decades, the FLSA has undergone numerous amendments to expand coverage, adjust wage standards, and refine regulations surrounding overtime and youth employment (Nelson & Oyerinde, 2022).

Purpose and Creation of the FLSA

The primary purpose of the FLSA was to establish fair labor standards to improve workers' wages and working conditions, thereby promoting economic recovery and social justice. The act aimed to regulate employer practices that exploited vulnerable workers and to standardize wages across industries. It was created to counteract the "race to the bottom" phenomenon where employers would lower wages and increase working hours to compete with each other, often at the expense of worker well-being (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020).

Influence on Human Resources and Compensation

Since its inception, the FLSA has profoundly influenced human resources and compensation policies in the United States. It established the federal minimum wage, which serves as a baseline for wage legislation across states. It also introduced overtime regulations, requiring employers to compensate workers at higher rates for hours worked beyond 40 per week. These standards have shaped HR policies concerning wage structures, employee classification, and compliance practices (U.S. Department of Labor, 2021). The act fostered the development of payroll systems and labor audits to ensure adherence to federal standards, influencing the evolution of HR management practices.

Future Prospects for the FLSA

Looking ahead, the future of the FLSA depends on ongoing economic dynamics, technological advances, and political will. Debates revolve around raising the minimum wage, redefining exempt and non-exempt classifications, and addressing gig economy workers' protections. The Biden administration has signaled interest in raising the minimum wage and expanding employee protections, which could lead to further amendments or reinterpretations of the FLSA (Kirschenbaum & Miller, 2023). Additionally, increasing automation and remote work patterns will challenge existing regulation frameworks, necessitating adaptive reforms to maintain relevance.

Impact on Employers and Employees

The FLSA has broadly benefited employees by securing fair wages and limiting excessive working hours. For employers, while compliance imposes costs and administrative burdens, it also promotes a more stable and motivated workforce. Conversely, some argue that overly rigid regulations may hinder business flexibility and innovation (Kaufman & Landy, 2020). Nonetheless, the act's overarching goal remains the balance between protecting workers and supporting economic competitiveness.

Personal Perspective

In my view, the FLSA represents a critical step toward ensuring fair labor standards. Its protections have improved workers' livelihoods and constrained exploitative practices. However, there is room for improvement, especially in adapting the act to modern labor markets such as gig and freelance employment. I believe continuing reforms to incorporate flexible protections for non-traditional workers are necessary to sustain its relevance and effectiveness in the future.

Conclusion

The Fair Labor Standards Act has played a pivotal role in shaping employment standards in the United States for over 80 years. Its historical roots, clear objectives, and ongoing influence underscore its importance. While challenges remain, the FLSA continues to evolve, aiming to balance labor protections with economic needs. Overall, it has significantly contributed to improved working conditions, although continuous evaluation and modernization are essential to address contemporary labor market realities.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2020). History of the Fair Labor Standards Act. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/flsa/

Kaufman, B. E., & Landy, F. J. (2020). Labor law and industrial relations: Perspectives for the twenty-first century. Journal of Industrial Relations, 62(3), 368-389.

Kirschenbaum, M. A., & Miller, R. (2023). Future directions of minimum wage legislation: Impacts and debates. Labor Studies Journal, 48(2), 193-215.

Nelson, D., & Oyerinde, O. (2022). The evolution of wage regulation: An analysis of amendments to the FLSA. International Journal of Labour Research, 9(1), 45-62.

U.S. Department of Labor. (2021). Wage and Hour Division: FLSA compliance assistance. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa