Section 2.2 Work-Based Learning
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Know the Law
There always are school rules and regulations to follow. Now that you
will be working away from school as part of your school assignment, there
will be new rules governing your actions. Some of these are covered in your
training plan and agreement. Others may involve state or federal laws.
Fair Labor Practices
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) protects workers from
unfair treatment by their employers. Passed in 1938, the law deals with
relationships between employees and employers.
All employees who work for employers involved in interstate or
international commerce are covered by this act. Therefore, any business
producing, handling, or selling a product or service outside the state must
comply with this law. Employees who work in education and health care are
also covered. In fact, there are few workers who are not covered by the FLSA.
If an employee believes that rights protected by fair labor laws have
been violated, he or she may complain. Complaints should be directed
to the Employment Standards Administration or the Wage and Hour
Division of the US Department of Labor. Complaints are investigated by
government officers. If an employer is found in violation of the law, the
business may be prosecuted in court and fined.
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Guidelines set by the federal
government help make sure
workers are paid fair wages
for the work they are em-
ployed to do.