Kansas City FLSA Exemptions

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal act that covers minimum wage, overtime pay, and other labor standards for both full-time and part-time workers in both the public and private sectors. Employers are required to comply with the rules outlined in the FLSA, and failure to do so can result in legal action. One of the most common disputes surrounding the FLSA is disputes related to unpaid overtime. Whether or not these claims are upheld in accordance with the FLSA will depend on whether or not exemptions are applicable. 

If you think your employer has violated your rights under the FLSA, it’s essential to seek legal advice from a trusted employment lawyer. An experienced attorney can examine the circumstances of your situation, determine whether exemptions are applicable, and advise you on pursuing a wage and hour dispute. Here is some important information to know about FLSA exemptions in Kansas City. 

What to Know About Wage Standards in the FLSA

The FLSA outlines various matters related to wage standards, including minimum wage, overtime pay, child employment, and recordkeeping. Nonexempt workers covered by the FLSA are entitled to the following wage standards.

The Federal Minimum Wage of $7.25

In the U.S., the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. However, many states have their own laws surrounding minimum wage requirements. In scenarios where the state minimum wage is greater than the federal minimum wage, the employee is entitled to the higher wage. 

Overtime Pay

In accordance with the FLSA, non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay for any hours worked over 40 hours per week. The rate for overtime pay must be at least one and one-half times the regular rate of pay. 

Child Labor

The FLSA outlines specific rules related to child labor to protect minors and ensure they are provided with educational opportunities. Additionally, certain protections are provided to prohibit their employment in jobs that would be harmful to their health or well-being. 

Recordkeeping

Employers are required to provide employees with the rights they are entitled to under the FLSA. Additionally, they are responsible for keeping employee time and pay records. 

These are just a couple of the wage standards established in the FLSA. It’s essential to note that these rights are only eligible to nonexempt, covered workers. 

What to Know About Exemptions from the FLSA

Not all employees are protected under the FLSA, and there are some exemptions regarding both overtime pay and minimum wage provisions. Both federal and state laws outline exemptions regarding FLSA pay requirements, meaning certain kinds of workers are not eligible for the provisions surrounding these standards. Each exemption has extremely specific requirements which must be satisfied for an employee to be considered exempt. Since exemptions are narrowly defined in the FLSA, many employers enforce exemptions when they are not applicable. For example, many employers believe that salaried workers are exempt from overtime pay. However, this is not always correct. If you think that you are being wrongfully classified as exempt from certain FLSA protections, it can be helpful to work with a trusted employment lawyer.