Fair Labor Standards Acts

Federal Law: Enacted 1938, updated August 2004 and governs:

  • Minimum Wage
  • Overtime
  • Record Keeping
  • Child Labor Standards

Exemption Status is based on job status, job responsibilities, and salary (not based on job titles). It is important to determine FLSA status for position during job evaluation process. In addition to job description, supervisor/department might be required to complete a FLSA questionnaire.

Exempt Employees

Employees are classified as exempt are exempt from the law.

  • Employees are compensated with a set salary rather than hourly
  • No requirement to pay overtime premiums
  • Classified as executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, or computer professionals

Examples of exempt duties and responsibilities:

  • Hiring, firing, disciplining and evaluating employees
  • Planning work
  • Determining policies and procedures
  • Authority to negotiate and sign contracts

Nonexempt Employees

Employees classified as nonexempt are governed by the law.

  • Employees are compensated on an hourly basis
  • Must be paid time and a half (1.5) for hours in excess of 40 hours worked in a standard work week

Examples of nonexempt duties and responsibilities:

  • Animal care
  • Typing or word processing
  • Preparing payroll
  • Book keeping
  • Answering phones