Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act

The Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act is a federal law that requires minimum wage and overtime pay for employees working on contracts with the U.S. government for the manufacturing or furnishing of materials, supplies, articles, or equipment.

Example #1

For example, if a company is contracted by the government to provide uniforms for military personnel, the employees working on producing those uniforms would be entitled to receive at least the minimum wage and overtime pay as mandated by the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act.

Example #2

Another example would be employees working on a government contract to supply construction materials; they would also be protected by the provisions of the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act regarding fair wages and overtime pay.

Misuse

Misuse of the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act could involve a company underpaying employees working on government contracts to increase their profits. This is concerning because it not only exploits workers by denying them fair compensation but also undermines the integrity of the contracting process with the government.

Benefits

The Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act benefits employees by ensuring that they are paid fairly for their work on government contracts. It safeguards their rights to receive at least the minimum wage and appropriate compensation for overtime hours, promoting a fair and equitable working environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act plays a crucial role in upholding fair labor practices by setting minimum wage and overtime pay standards for employees engaged in government contracts. Protecting against its misuse is essential to safeguard workers' rights and maintain the integrity of government procurement processes.

Related Terms

Minimum WageOvertime PayFair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)