What is the primary purpose of the Walsh-Healey Act?

What is the primary purpose of the Walsh-Healey Act?

• A. To establish workplace safety standards.
• B. To eliminate child labor.
• C. To establish minimum wage and overtime pay for U.S. government contracts.
• D. To promote equal pay for equal work.

Answer: (C)

The Walsh-Healey Act primarily aims to establish minimum wage and overtime pay standards for workers involved in federal government contracts. Enacted in 1936, this legislation ensures that employees working on public contracts receive fair compensation, setting a foundation for labor rights within government procurement processes. It mandates that contractors adhere to specific labor standards, including the payment of prevailing wages and overtime, thus helping to protect workers from exploitation. This act also sought to promote job quality and fair working conditions for laborers engaged in government-funded projects, ultimately influencing the labor market positively. By focusing on the wages and hours of employees in government contracts, the Walsh-Healey Act played a significant role in labor relations and the establishment of norms regarding pay in public sector jobs.

The Walsh-Healey Act primarily aims to establish minimum wage and overtime pay standards for workers involved in federal government contracts. Enacted in 1936, this legislation ensures that employees working on public contracts receive fair compensation, setting a foundation for labor rights within government procurement processes. It mandates that contractors adhere to specific labor standards, including the payment of prevailing wages and overtime, thus helping to protect workers from exploitation.

This act also sought to promote job quality and fair working conditions for laborers engaged in government-funded projects, ultimately influencing the labor market positively. By focusing on the wages and hours of employees in government contracts, the Walsh-Healey Act played a significant role in labor relations and the establishment of norms regarding pay in public sector jobs.