Benefits Of Federal Minimum Wage

One of the oldest employment laws is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), a law enacted in the 1930s setting forth several critical employment provisions, including certain minimum wage and overtime standards intended to protect workers. The current minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. Had minimum wage kept pace with inflation, it would be above $10.00 today.

In general, minimum wage has received wide spread support. In fact, just a few years ago the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 show passed Congress with strong bi-partisan support. As National Employment Law Project director Christine Owens states, “(today) Americans overwhelmingly support a minimum wage rate that will help working families make ends meet and provide the boost the economy needs for full–recovery.”

Ensuring workers receive minimum wage is as crucial now as when originally enacted. In addition to helping individuals earn a living and become self-sufficient, it benefits our communities. By increasing the amounts of money families earn, they have more money to spend on local businesses in their communities, which in turn increases the local tax base. Having a federal minimum wage reduces the need for social services, which cost taxpayers money. Minimum wage is also good for businesses. Studies have shown that ensuring a fair minimum wage reduces absenteeism and improves moral among employees, leading to higher productivity.

However, despite legislation such as the FLSA guaranteeing workers a right to minimum wage, studies show that 2.6 million Americans earn less than the federal standard.

If you believe you have been denied all the compensation you are entitled to, either as a result of the failure to pay minimum wage or overtime, you may be able to bring a claim for a violation of the FLSA.

For more information, contact Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP, a Georgia law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of employees.