The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a U.S. federal law that establishes standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor. Key provisions of the act include:
Minimum Wage – As of 2025, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, though many states and localities set higher rates. Covered nonexempt workers must receive at least the federal or state minimum, whichever is higher.
Overtime Pay – Nonexempt employees must receive at least 1.5 times their regular pay rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Exempt employees (e.g., certain professionals, executives) are not entitled to overtime, based on salary and job duties.
Child Labor – Restricts employment of minors under 14, limits hours for 14 and 15-year-olds, and prohibits hazardous work for those under 18.
Recordkeeping – Employers must maintain accurate records of wages, hours, and other employment data.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division enforces the FLSA. Violations can result in payment of back wages, penalties, or lawsuits.
Recent Cases Involving Denied Overtime, Wage Theft and Child Labor
Despite federal law, it is not uncommon for employees to experience problems regarding the payment of wages. A number of 2025 cases highlight ongoing issues with wage theft, overtime violations, and child labor across multiple industries throughout the U.S.:
- California electrical engineering and construction firm ordered to pay $1.4 million for FLSA violations. The DOL found that the company failed to comply with minimum wage and overtime requirements, affecting multiple employees.
- Court revives FLSA overtime lawsuit brought by utility workers, alleging they were not properly compensated for overtime hours. This case highlights ongoing disputes over overtime eligibility in specialized industries.
- Employees working at a Wisconsin cafe file lawsuit alleging the restaurant’s tip-pooling policy violated the FLSA by including managers, constituting “tip theft.” The suit seeks repayment of misallocated tips, legal costs, and the inclusion of additional plaintiffs.
- A coal mining company settles an FLSA collective action for $2.6 million, resolving claims from over 560 underground coal workers who allege they were denied overtime pay for pre- and post-shift duties.
- Meat packing company agrees to pay $4 million in restitution for employing children in hazardous jobs at a Virginia poultry plant. The DOL found violations of FLSA child labor provisions, which also includes allowing minors to work past permitted hours. The restitution supports child labor victims and prevention efforts.
- A Pennsylvania truck stop owner, was penalized for FLSA violations after the DOL found he failed to pay 65 employees minimum wage and overtime from 2015 to 2018. The DOL’s Wage and Hour Division affirmed the penalty, emphasizing enforcement of wage standards.
The cases presented reflect a mix of overtime, wage and child labor violations with varied enforcement actions, settlements, and judicial rulings to punish violations of law and ensure employees are being treated fairly. It is incumbent upon employees, sometimes via a class action claim, to hold employers accountable for FLSA violations when they are subject to discrepancies in pay.
Contact an Unpaid Wages Lawyer for Help
When you are denied payment of regular wages, overtime pay, or have been subject to wage theft or know of other violations of labor law, it is important to seek the help of an experienced employment law attorney to discuss your concerns. Contact FLSA Attorney Alan C. Olson & Associates for immediate assistance at 262-785-9606
