Which act establishes minimum wages and overtime for work exceeding 40 hours per week?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is the legislation that establishes minimum wages and dictates overtime pay requirements for employees who work more than 40 hours in a week. This act was enacted in 1938 and has undergone several amendments, but its core purpose remains the same: to protect workers by ensuring they receive fair compensation for their labor, particularly for overtime.

The FLSA sets a federal minimum wage, which employers must adhere to, and it requires that eligible employees be paid at least one and a half times their regular rate for any hours worked over the standard 40-hour workweek. This is crucial for preventing the exploitation of workers through excessive unpaid labor.

In contrast, the other acts mentioned focus on different aspects of labor rights. The Occupational Safety and Health Act primarily addresses workplace safety and health standards. The Equal Pay Act aims to eliminate wage disparity based on gender for equal work. The Family Medical Leave Act enables employees to take leave for family and medical reasons without losing their job. Each of these laws serves important functions, but they do not pertain directly to establishing minimum wage and overtime standards, making the Fair Labor Standards Act the correct answer.