Title 29: Labor
Fair Labor Standards Act, FMLA, OSHA, NLRA, ERISA, and other federal labor and employment laws.
32 chapters · 456 sections · 10 key sections available
Key Sections (10)
Fair Labor Standards Act — Minimum Wage
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Tipped employees can be paid $2.13 per hour in cash wages, but their total pay including tips must reach at least $7.25.
Fair Labor Standards Act — Maximum Hours / Overtime
Non-exempt employees must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a week. Salaried executive, administrative, and professional employees may be exempt from overtime.
Family and Medical Leave Act — Leave Requirement
The FMLA gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for birth/adoption of a child, family illness, or their own serious health condition. It applies to employers with 50+ employees.
National Labor Relations Act — Unfair Labor Practices
Employers cannot interfere with workers' rights to organize, join unions, or bargain collectively. It is illegal to fire or punish workers for union activity or to refuse to negotiate with their union.
Occupational Safety and Health Act — Congressional Findings and Purpose
OSHA requires employers to provide safe workplaces and authorizes the Labor Department to set and enforce safety standards, conduct workplace inspections, and impose penalties for violations.
ERISA — Congressional Findings and Declaration of Policy
ERISA sets minimum standards for private-sector retirement and health benefit plans, establishing fiduciary duties for plan administrators and protecting participants' benefits.
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
FMLA allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for family and medical reasons, including the birth of a child, caring for a seriously ill family member, or the employee's own serious health condition.
Fair Labor Standards Act – Minimum Wage
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. All employers engaged in interstate commerce must pay at least this amount. States can set higher minimum wages, and employers must pay whichever is higher.
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
Requires employers with 20+ employees to offer continuation of group health insurance coverage after qualifying events such as job loss, reduction in hours, or divorce. Coverage can last 18-36 months.
Employee Retirement Income Security Act
Sets minimum standards for most voluntarily established retirement and health plans in private industry. Requires plans to provide participants with plan information, establishes fiduciary responsibilities, and guarantees payment of benefits through the PBGC.