What does "overtime" mean under the FLSA?

Overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) specifically refers to the requirement that employers must pay employees for hours worked over 40 in a workweek at a rate that is at least 1.5 times their regular pay rate. This provision is designed to ensure that employees are compensated fairly for additional hours worked beyond the standard full-time schedule.

The rationale behind this rule is to incentivize employers to manage working hours effectively and to protect workers from being overworked without adequate financial compensation. For most non-exempt employees, overtime pay is a fundamental right that provides them with appropriate remuneration for longer hours.

While compensation for hours worked on weekends or holidays might exist under specific employer policies or collective bargaining agreements, it is not mandated by the FLSA itself. Furthermore, compensation for hours under 40 in a workweek is not classified as overtime, as the FLSA does not require any premium pay for hours worked less than 40. Thus, the correct understanding of "overtime" is critical for both compliance and employee rights under labor law.