What legislation mandates the minimum wage that must be paid to workers?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is the primary legislation that mandates the minimum wage to be paid to workers in the United States. Enacted in 1938, the FLSA established a federal minimum wage, requiring employers to pay employees at least that amount for their work. This act not only sets the minimum wage but also regulates overtime pay, child labor, and recordkeeping, thereby providing significant protections for workers.

The National Minimum Wage Act 1998 specifically pertains to the United Kingdom legislation and outlines the minimum wage requirements within that jurisdiction, making it relevant only to the UK context. Thus, it does not apply to the U.S. framework for determining minimum wage, which is governed by the FLSA instead.

Meanwhile, the Workers' Compensation Act addresses benefits and compensation for employees injured on the job, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act focuses on retirement and health benefits. These laws do not pertain to minimum wage regulations, further distinguishing their purposes from that of the FLSA.