What is the maximum fine for employers who willfully violate the Fair Labor Standards Act?

The maximum fine for employers who willfully violate the Fair Labor Standards Act is indeed set at $10,000. This fine applies when an employer knowingly disregards the requirements of the Act, which is designed to ensure fair labor standards relating to minimum wage and overtime pay for employees. The willful nature of the violation differentiates it from non-willful breaches, which may incur lower penalties. This amount reflects the federal government's commitment to enforcing labor laws and deterring employers from ignoring applicable wage and hour regulations.

Understanding this figure as $10,000 emphasizes the seriousness with which the law treats violations, thereby underlining the importance of compliance for employers. The other options represent lower fines, which are not applicable for willful violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act, reflecting a scale of penalties that does not align with the law's intention to protect workers' rights.