Question 1: How often does the federal minimum wage increase?
Short Answer: There is no automatic schedule; Congress must pass a law to raise it.
Full Answer: The federal minimum wage does not increase automatically. Any change requires Congress to pass a bill that the President must sign.
The last increase occurred in 2009, costing $7.25 per hour.
Efforts to raise it depend on legislative actions, which are influenced by economic conditions and political priorities.
Question 2: Who makes sure workers are paid the minimum wage?
Short Answer: The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the U.S. Department of Labor enforces it.
Full Answer: The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the U.S. Department of Labor is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which includes enforcing the federal minimum wage.
The WHD investigates complaints, conducts audits, and educates employers and employees about wage laws.
They have offices nationwide, and workers can report violations directly to them.
General Federal Standard: The FLSA establishes federal minimum wage requirements and assigns enforcement to the WHD.
Short Answer: There is no automatic schedule; Congress must pass a law to raise it.
Full Answer: The federal minimum wage does not increase automatically. Any change requires Congress to pass a bill that the President must sign.
The last increase occurred in 2009, costing $7.25 per hour.
Efforts to raise it depend on legislative actions, which are influenced by economic conditions and political priorities.
Question 2: Who makes sure workers are paid the minimum wage?
Short Answer: The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the U.S. Department of Labor enforces it.
Full Answer: The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the U.S. Department of Labor is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which includes enforcing the federal minimum wage.
The WHD investigates complaints, conducts audits, and educates employers and employees about wage laws.
They have offices nationwide, and workers can report violations directly to them.
General Federal Standard: The FLSA establishes federal minimum wage requirements and assigns enforcement to the WHD.