Louisiana Contractors License Practice Exam

Which requirement is included in the Walsh-Healey Act?

1. Minimum wage agreements for freelance workers

2. Overtime pay at 2 times regular rates

3. Minimum wage and overtime pay at 1.5 times regular pay rates

4. Guaranteed employment for all contract workers

The correct answer is: Minimum wage and overtime pay at 1.5 times regular pay rates

The Walsh-Healey Act is a piece of legislation that applies to contracts made with the U.S. government for the manufacture or furnishing of goods, and it sets forth specific requirements regarding labor standards. The Act requires that contractors adhere to certain labor standards, including the payment of a minimum wage and the provision of overtime pay. The correct answer indicates that the Act mandates the payment of minimum wage and overtime at one and a half times the regular pay rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. This requirement is critical as it establishes a baseline for labor rights among workers engaged in government contracts, ensuring that they are compensated fairly for their work. The minimum wage provisions help to protect workers from exploitation, while the overtime requirement ensures they are rewarded for extra hours worked beyond the typical 40-hour week, which is a common labor standard in the United States. This framework contributes to the overall goal of the Walsh-Healey Act, which is to promote fair labor standards among those working on government contracts.